Philly Leader

After a two-week break, Major League Soccer's Decision Day approaches, with the Philadelphia Union preparing for a crucial match against FC Cincinnati at Subaru Park. Some starters were away on international duty but have returned to training, shifting focus to this must-win game.

Head Coach Jim Curtin expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation: “Everyone is officially back here at training, which is nice. It gives a little buzz to the group for sure. The guys that have trained the last week and a half have done a good job, too, putting in the work, maintaining fitness, building some sharpness on the ball.”

Philadelphia Union faces a challenging task against FC Cincinnati, known for intense matches. A victory is essential to keep their postseason hopes alive. They also need either C.F. Montreal or D.C. United to lose for a chance at the Wild Card round.

“We're in a position this season that we don't want to be in, but our reality is we have to fight our way out of it now," Curtin stated. "Winning cures a lot of things, and we have to find a way to get three points and then get a little help.”

Cincinnati holds third place in the Eastern Conference but has struggled recently under Head Coach Pat Noonan, winning only one of their last six matches.

The match coincides with Philadelphia Union’s U Thank U night. Curtin addressed fans ahead of the final regular-season home game: “We know it's been a year that's been hard... We know what we're capable of though... We apologize for the season, but at the same time, we know that we have a job to do.”