ALERT: Philadelphia Union-FC Dallas game postponed to Saturday, 4 pm ET
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin knows that FC Dallas is the talk of Major League Soccer at the moment as the only league's only 2-0-0 team.
He believes they’re on “the cusp of being in the discussion with LA and Seattle” as one of the league’s elite clubs.
He called Fabian Castillo “the most dangerous player in our league right now.”
But Curtin also knows that his own team – after starting the season with two draws he felt should have been wins – is hungrier than ever to get a win when they host surging Dallas at PPL Park (Saturday, 4 pm ET, Univision Deportes Network in Spanish and English via SAP).
“We recognize the task at hand,” Curtin said. “And it’s one that we will be up for in front of our home crowd.”
In the Union’s season-opening scoreless draw with Colorado, they felt they deserved at least one penalty kick called against the Rapids. And a week later the team felt hard done by a late PK awarded to Real Salt Lake which resulted in a game-tying goal.
But Curtin wanted to make clear that, even though the Union have given up points late in games in the past, he doesn’t feel like this is the continuation of any kind of trend. No black cloud is hovering over the franchise.
If anything, he’s noticed his players being even more communicative during practice, which he said has “put a smile on my face because we’re not satisfied with the results and the way things have gone.”
“Last year, there were self-inflicted wounds during our growing pains and our learning process,” Curtin added. “These last two games, they were decided by refs. … We can’t complain about it or dwell on it, we’re looking forward to bouncing back.”
Curtin admitted that handing FCD their first loss will be a tough test, especially with CJ Sapong (fractured cheekbone) and Cristian Maidana (sprained knee) out of commission.
But while they respect their opponent, the Union are being careful not to put them on too much of a pedestal.
- Find more Union news and notes at PhiladelphiaUnion.com
“We see a very good technical team that has exceptional pace across the frontline,” Union winger Andrew Wenger said. “But it’s also been just two games to start the season. It’s a small sample size. We also like what we’ve done this year. We’re progressing.”
Wenger also thinks the Union are due some good fortune after those two straight frustrating draws.
“We need to recognize that the bounces will go our way,” he said. “Luck always evens out.”
Dave Zeitlin covers the Union for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at djzeitlin@gmail.com.
