Only playoffs will do in 2015, says Union manager Jim Curtin
The Union's focus will be making the playoffs for just the second time in 6 years in 2015.
FOR THE FOURTH time in 5 years, soccer fans in Philadelphia won't witness the hometown club in the MLS playoffs. But at the very least, the Union sent the PPL Park regulars out with a win.
"I know we came up short and the focus now, the only word I use around the guys is playoffs for next year," Union interim manager Jim Curtin said after Saturday night's home finale, a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City. "We're not going to talk about championships or anything like that. We're talking about the playoffs for 2015 and that's the goal."
Saturday's victory, which came via goals from rookies Pedro Ribeiro and Brian Brown, snapped the Union's five-game winless streak. The Eastern Conference's five playoff teams are set, Philadelphia (10-11-12) as of now signifying the best team to not qualify.
The Union closes out its season Sunday night on the road against the Columbus Crew (12-10-10), the team that knocked it out of postseason contention last weekend. Currently sitting in fifth place, Columbus has already clinched a postseason spot.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Columbus has won the teams' two previous meetings this season.
- Jake Kaplan