Union midweek press conference: Academy success, FCC Preview, Positive Wagner injury update, and McGlynn earns another start

A couple of days after Union was able to grind out a 1-0 first-leg win at home against Atlas F.C. on the back of a first-half red card and 89th-minute Daniel Gazdag PK, Head Coach Jim Curtin took the stand for his midweek press conference before traveling to FC Cincinnati and Guadalajara, Mexico in quick succession to provide some updates on the squad.

Acknowledgment of Academy success

Curtin started the press conference by giving a nod to the success that the Union Academy teams are having down in Florida while competing against some of the world’s most prestigious academy programs in the GA Cup. The U17 team beat Nigeria’s Remo Stars FC in the round of 16 with two Andy Rick PK saves, and has advanced to play SE Palmerias in the Quarterfinals.

The U15s knocked off Arsenal by a score of 4-1, and have just beaten Real Madrid in Penalty Kicks to advance to the Semi-Finals. Curtin took the time to recognize Cavan Sullivan, the younger brother of first-team homegrown Quinn Sullivan, who continues to impress and draw attention from large European clubs, even at the age of 13.

“Cavan Sullivan has the talent and ability to become, I’ll just say, a household name”
Head Coach, Jim Curtin

The Kids Are Alright: Philadelphia Union U15s defeat Arsenal 4-1 in the first knockout round of the Generation Adidas Cup

Union’s Focus on FC Cincinnati

Before Philadelphia can start preparing for their trip to Guadalajara for the second leg of CCL, Union first must put all their attention towards the leaders of the Eastern Conference and a familiar foe in FC Cincinnati.

“I don’t want to hear the word Atlas right now. The full focus has to be on Cincinnati.”
Jim Curtin

Curtin noted how the personal relationships at play between FCC and Philadelphia with a number of Ex-Union players and coaching staff taking their talents to Ohio has contributed to the excitement surrounding this matchup in the past, but now that the two teams have playoff history, the stakes are even higher.

Union and FCC drew 1-1 in their first meeting last season in Philadelphia, with FCC taking the return fixture by a score of 3-1. Union would have the final say in 2022, beating Cincinnati in the playoffs at home with a second-half goal by Leon Flach.

Kai Wagner training on side, hopeful to play a part in CCL Leg 2

The welcomed news of Andre Blake returning to the net against SKC after missing numerous games with a groin injury was dampened by the omission of Left Back Kai Wagner after murmurings of suffering an injury of his own became reality.

After missing the game against Sporting Kansas City and the First Leg CCL tie against Atlas at home with a Grade 1 Hamstring Injury, Jim Curtin says Wagner has returned to training on the field, though is still working off to the side on his own and is progressing well. When asked if Leg 2 against Atlas is still the projected return for Wagner, Curtin seemed hopeful that would be the case.

“I think it’s very realistic that Kai is able to contribute at a minimum.”
Jim Curtin

Jack McGlynn shines against Atlas F.C., earns future start in a congested schedule.

Union homegrown Jack McGlynn made the most of his opportunity on Tuesday night after finding himself in the Starting XI for just the 3rd time this season, all of which coming in CONCACAF Champions League Competition. McGlynn lined up against Atlas FC on the left side of the 4-3-2-1 Christmas Tree formation, which allowed McGlynn to focus on being creative with the ball and less on defending.

In his 90 minutes against Atlas, McGlynn completed 81% of his passes, logged a game-high 5 chances created, had 21 passes into the final third, had 3 total shots, 100 touches, 7 ball recoveries, and won both tackles attempted. When asked if his performance and offensive creativity have earned McGlynn another opportunity in the starting XI, Curtin’s provided an answer many Unions might find exciting.

“Jack McGlynn will certainly start one of the next two games. I won’t tell you which one, but he will start. I thought he was excellent in this game. His ability to get on the ball to help us build up, to play forward, to break lines, and actually defensively do a really good job too”.
Jim Curtin

Jack McGlynn’s offensive prowess has rarely ever been in question during his time with the Union and its academy, but his lack of defensive coverage inarguably has played a part in why McGlynn hasn’t had a bigger shot at pinning his name to the Union Starting XI team sheet.

While the formation Tuesday night allowed McGlynn to focus on his strong suits, Curtin made sure to take notice of the work McGlynn has put in towards improving his game defensively and how that’s helping Union turn their opponents over and create chances the other way, which he’s confident Union will convert into goals sooner than later.

“I think he’s adding more layers and quality on both sides of the ball. Offensively, we all see his tools. But defensively he’s worked really hard to improve them.”
Jim Curtin

Philadelphia will face off against former Union Assistant Coach Pat Noonan’s FCC Cincinnati on the road this Saturday in MLS play, which will be available to watch via MLS Season pass on Apple TV. Concluding the rematch of the 2022 MLS Cup Second Round Matchup between Union and the East’s current #1 side, Philadelphia will take its CCL First Leg 1-0 advantage down to Atlas F.C. in Guadalajara, Mexico next Wednesday night, with a chance to advance to the Semi-Finals.