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The National Times - MLS Union dump Curtin as head coach

MLS Union dump Curtin as head coach

SPORTS 07.11.2024
MLS Union dump Curtin as head coach
MLS Union dump Curtin as head coach / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Jim Curtin, a two-time Major League Soccer Coach of the Year who guided the Philadelphia Union to the 2022 MLS Cup final, was fired as head coach, the team announced Thursday.

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The 45-year-old native of suburban Philadelphia was the second-longest tenured coach in MLS behind Peter Vermes of Sporting Kansas City, having guided the Union since 2014.

This year, the team went 9-15 with 10 drawn for 37 points to finish 12th in the Eastern Conference and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Curtin went 170-90 with 134 drawn over 11 seasons coaching Philadelphia, which included the 2020 Supporters' Shield for the top regular-season record, and lost the 2022 final to Los Angeles FC in a penalty shootout.

"We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jim for his passion and dedication to this club," sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a statement.

"Following the 2024 season, we recognize the need for change. We'll continue to evaluate our sporting strategy and make necessary changes this offseason to best set the team up for success."

Union principal owner Jay Sugarman said it was a "difficult decision" to part ways with "a remarkable leader and an integral part of our team's success."

The Union join Atlanta United, FC Dallas and St. Louis City as MLS teams currently without full-time head coaches.

W.Baxter--TNT

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