Philly Leader

A second straight win at Subaru Park left Philadelphia Union fans in high spirits as they exited the stadium following the final match before Major League Soccer takes a pause for the Leagues Cup. After the game, Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke to the media, summarizing a successful week that saw his team secure six points at home.

Curtin began his press conference by highlighting two crucial factors in the team's victory: the supportive atmosphere in the stadium and goalkeeper Andre Blake. While Daniel Gazdag's hat trick was a standout performance, Curtin emphasized Blake's significant impact on the match.

"Soccer is fun again for the guys, which is good to see. No group has gone through a tough season like this more than our group and it's hurt, but for them to now be back on the field together and to get a guy like Andre back, who again makes a big save that no one will remember. He saves 2-0 from becoming 2-1, then we go right down the field and score after that to make it three and end the game," Curtin said. "These little plays are huge. The value of having your best players be your best players in this game, as simple as that sounds, is so important."

Newly signed forward Samuel Adeniran made his Philadelphia Union debut during Saturday night's win, entering the match in the 61st minute for Mikael Uhre. Despite being with the team for only two days, Adeniran made an impression on his new teammates and coach.

"Sam came into the game and I thought it influenced it in a big way," Curtin remarked. "You see how good he is and strong in the air. The speed to get in behind. Could have had a couple goals, but we’ll save those for the 1-0 wins rather than the 4-0s at the end of the game."

Philadelphia Union moved up to 10th place after their recent victory and are now just one spot away from climbing above the playoff line. Curtin credited his players for positioning themselves well ahead of their playoff push post-Leagues Cup.

"When our best players are on the field together we're still a really good team," Curtin stated. "We're not where we want to be in the table, and I get that. It's been difficult but these two wins will go a long way now going into break, to build some confidence, to push through Leagues Cup and then finish season right way."

Should they manage to secure one of top nine spots needed for playoff qualification, Curtin believes other teams will face significant challenges against them.

"You guys see what we are when we're clicking and we're confident. I would just say no one wants to play us in playoffs if we get in. That's fact."