Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union will continue their push for the postseason against NYCFC on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, taking on another formidable opponent in quick succession. On Tuesday before the team's bus trip up I-95, Head Coach Jim Curtin met with the media to preview his team's upcoming match.

There are just six regular season matches left on Philadelphia Union’s schedule, which means there are only six more opportunities to earn points before Major League Soccer Decision Day on October 19th.

Curtin kicked off his press conference by expressing his hopes for the team as they look to build off of their hard-fought 3-1 loss in Miami. “Just to reflect quickly on Miami, a performance that I thought was strong. We did some things really well but were punished by a top team. Stressed to the guys, now, if we can attack and defend and be a little more ruthless in front of goal down the stretch here, we can find ourselves in the playoffs. If we don't do those things, we also have to recognize the urgency and the fact that we're running out of games to execute,” Curtin said.

Urgency is apparent as their pursuit of points continues in New York City against a conference rival that sits in 6th place with 40 points. “When we go on the road against a strong New York City team, a team that we have obviously a good history with, intense games and playoff games, we have to be at our very best. Have to deal with the uniqueness of the field and all that entails. They're obviously very used to it and very good at playing at home. So again, we'll have to be on our game to find a way to go down there and bring some points back to Philly.”

Andre Blake missed Saturday’s match in Miami due to injury, and his presence could be game-changing in the action ahead. Curtin explained that the Jamaican goalkeeper, along with Danley Jean Jaques who returned from international play for Haiti with an ankle injury, are both day-to-day. “We'll have to make a decision on them. We'll see them now after this press conference and do what's best for them, obviously short term and long term but also urgency,” Curtin said.

Despite his injury, Danley was able to contribute eight minutes against Miami coming off the bench as a sub. “I would say he still has pain in his ankle. He hasn't really had ankle injuries before so it's a little bit new to him. If you go back and see that tackle [with Haiti] it was a bad one. That last five to ten percent is the hardest to get back right? It usually tends to heal quickly. The medical staff does a good job getting the swelling out and then that lasts when you're changing directions. For a guy who changes quickly and as dynamically as Danley, that last five to ten percent kind of still feels a little uncomfortable for him,” Curtin said.

“Obviously he jumped in and did a good job. I thought the Miami game was strong there but then you're on a flight you have swelling different things happen how it responds. Was able to train the last two days but we still have to make a decision that is smart not only for Wednesday night but for the rest of the year while also still having that urgency that we recognize we're running out of games too.”

After picking up a 56th minute yellow card against Inter Miami Jack Elliott is unavailable for Wednesday night’s matchup due to card accumulation. With Damion Lowe's recent departure leaving them thin on defensive subs Head Coach Jim Curtin revealed Homegrown defender Nate Harriel will take over Elliott's spot shifting from his natural right-back position.

With this move Olivier Mbaizo will man the right side as has been done multiple times this year including during Harriel’s Olympic call-up with Team USA.

As for backup centerback options Curtin named Olwethu Makhanya as an option off the bench – if subbed into Wednesday's match it would mark Makhanya's Philadelphia Union debut since signing with them in July 2023 primarily contributing for Union II while training with first team.

“We can play either of those guys and they do great job for us so there is chance other guys step up some new spots some familiar spots important game Wednesday where can't feel sorry about who's not here find way roll up sleeves get result.”