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Union prepare for two big games amid coaching rumors

Union interim manager Jim Curtin calls this the biggest week for the fifth-year franchise, and it's not hyperbole. In the midst of playing two games, one in Major League Soccer action and another for a championship, the Union also have had to address coaching rumors.

Philadelphia Union interim coach Jim Curtin (left) during the National Anthem at the of the match against the San Jose Earthquakes at PPL Park. (John Geliebter/USA Today)
Philadelphia Union interim coach Jim Curtin (left) during the National Anthem at the of the match against the San Jose Earthquakes at PPL Park. (John Geliebter/USA Today)Read more

Union interim manager Jim Curtin calls this the biggest week for the fifth-year franchise, and it's not hyperbole.

In the midst of playing two games, one in Major League Soccer action and another for a championship, the Union also have had to address coaching rumors.

In the heat of fire, Curtin remains calm, focusing on attempting to earn a playoff berth in MLS and helping the franchise win the U.S. Open Cup, which would be the first title in the Union's five-year history.

The Union meet the visiting New York Red Bulls in Saturday's MLS game and then host the Seattle Sounders in Tuesday's U.S. Open Cup championship.

The team's search for a permanent manager has gotten its share of headlines. The biggest rumor has former Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen as the leading candidate to be the team's next head coach.

The rumor mill got so heated this week, suggesting that a decision has been made, that the Union felt compelled to release this statement by chief executive officer and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz.

"The coaching search has been suspended for several weeks," Sakiewicz said. "No decisions have been made."

An MSL source indicated Thursday any hiring would not likely be made until after the season.

Curtin indicated Thursday that he has a future with the club, whether he is named the permanent manager or not.

"They told us there is going to be a long-term commitment to myself and the current staff, so that is reassuring to have that in the back of your head," Curtin said.

The Union are 9-9-9 with 36 points and seven MLS games remaining. They are tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference, where the top five teams will make the playoffs. The Red Bulls (9-8-10, 37 points) are coming off Wednesday's 1-0 win over first place D.C. United.

Then after that comes Tuesday's U.S. Open Cup final against Seattle.

"With a massive game [against] New York and the Open Cup final - which again, I can say it is another game but it is the biggest game this club has ever had - there is no way to hide that," Curtin said. "That is big on Tuesday, and we will focus on winning both games."

Notes

MLS leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips of the Red Bulls, who has 21 goals, left Wednesday's game at halftime with hamstring tightness. His availability for Saturday is not known . . . . Curtin wouldn't say, but hinted that keeper Rais Mbolhi, who has been competing for Algerian in the African Cup of Nations, likely won't be in goal Saturday.

@sjnard