Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union will host Atlanta United in a crucial match on Saturday night at Subaru Park. Head Coach Jim Curtin addressed the media after the team's final training session, discussing the significance of the upcoming game.

The Eastern Conference standings are tightly packed as the Major League Soccer season nears its end. Philadelphia Union is currently in ninth place, while Atlanta United sits in 11th. Curtin highlighted how pivotal Matchday 35 could be for both teams' postseason chances.

"There's no margin for error for any team that's not above the red line comfortably or clinched right now," Curtin said. "I think you'll see a lot of movement and a lot of really important matchups down the stretch here. Again, your home games always become really critical."

Philadelphia and Toronto both have 36 points, with four teams trailing by three points or less. The remaining matches will determine which nine Eastern Conference teams secure playoff spots.

"There'll be, I think, a lot of highs and a lot of lows for different teams," Curtin said. "Somebody who you think is out of it now is probably going to get in, and somebody who you think is completely safe is going to get knocked out."

Philadelphia Union faces three opponents within a week before their Decision Day showdown against Cincinnati on October 19th at Subaru Park. After Atlanta United, they will play Orlando City and Columbus Crew on the road.

"We have a plan in place," Curtin said regarding playing-time plans. "You can probably picture yourself some of our good road wins in recent weeks and who was on the field in those road games in New York and then New York City."

Curtin emphasized that despite only four matches remaining, Saturday's game against Atlanta United is their current focus.

"They're a team that has had some change since the last time we've played them," Curtin noted. "They're in the process of what you would call retooling or rebuilding, but they still have an amazing group of attacking players that can really hurt you."

Curtin concluded by stressing the importance of starting strong against Atlanta United: "We're going to get their very best punch in the first 15 minutes of the game. We have to stand up to that... we have to punch back."