Head coach Jim Curtin has claimed that Bruce Arena’s New England Revolution is the biggest rival for the Philadelphia Union.
Curtin’s side currently sits fourth on the MLS Eastern Conference table with 24 points in 16 games. Although he expects to take his team further, right now the Philadelphia Union would qualify for the playoffs in Major League Soccer.
Curtin during match against Inter Miami / Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images
“Right now, I think we’re a good team,” he said in the latest episode of the MLS podcast The Call Up. “We’re not a good team yet, and that’s okay. I’m okay with that. We’re just halfway there. I think we can compete and we can play with someone right now, but we’re not the finished product.”
The team learned to adapt and survive after selling star player Brenden Aaronson to RB Salzburg and Mark McKenzie to KRC Genk. Curtin acknowledged that he was proud of his side, but claimed that the New England Revolution was still the toughest in the conference.
“I think New England is the team to beat in our conference,” said Curtin co-hosts Susannah Collins and Jillian Sakovits.
“Bruce Arena, again, he’s such a winner. There are fantastic coaches throughout this league, but it speaks to the importance of experience in MLS and knowing this league. ”
New England leads the Eastern Conference with 33 points in 16 games and records 10 wins, three draws and three losses. The team is currently seven points clear from other sides as the race for second and third is within reach with one point difference.
Philadelphia Union celebrates its goal against Inter Miami / Mark Brown / Getty Images
“More than ever, it’s really, really close to the top teams in every conference. You win second place and you’re lost from being out of the playoffs,” Curtin added.
“Part of it, and what’s not growing up, we’re not allowed to play the West Coast team anymore. It’s sad. I miss the trips to Vancouver and LA. But what happens now is that we take points apart every week. there is no possibility to separate, so it will come down to the cable. “
