The comment section exploded when the Philadelphia Union shared a Jim Curtin appreciation post on Nov. 22, 2024, via Instagram. The fans were frustrated. Philadelphia finished 12th in the MLS Eastern Conference; the squad remained largely unchanged, and on top of that, the club decided to end the contract of coaching legend Curtin after 11 years as head coach and 15 years within the club.
Additionally, the fans were unhappy when the Philadelphia Union announced Bradley Carnell as their new head coach at the beginning of January. Many had doubts that Carnell would be able to turn around the club, especially after having a difficult season with his former club, St. Louis City FC, where his team won just seven of 34 MLS matches.
Now, just eight months later, the comment section still explodes after every Union Instagram post, but instead of fans trash-talking the team and spreading pessimism, they are praising the coach and the players.
It’s been a phenomenal season so far. The Union are currently first in the Eastern Conference. In 25 games, they’ve won 14, only losing five. At home, the team has been even stronger, as in 13 games (including Leagues Cup), they are unbeaten at Subaru Park.
The face of success is Tai Baribo. The Israeli striker is undoubtedly the standout player for the Union this year, scoring 14 goals so far. Additionally, Jovan Lukic, Bruno Damiani, Indiana Vassilev, Kai Wagner and Quinn Sullivan are contributing in a big way this season. Regardless of the recent successes, the Union seems to have both feet on the ground.
“There is time and a place for reflection, but now is not the time and the place. Right now … we just have to push forward as the stretch gets narrower and narrower,” Carnell said in a press conference on July 26 after being asked to give a possible outlook to the MLS postseason.
These attributes could be helpful in producing a long run in the MLS playoffs and the upcoming Leagues Cup, where the Union will take on their rival New York Red Bulls.