Sep 13, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux (11) takes a penalty kick and scores to tie the match against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at PPL Park. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Curtin has turned around the Philadelphia Union since taking over as interim team manager in June. He achieved this by making simply roster and positional decisions that keep players in their natural, more comfortable position. Despite his managerial inexperience that caused many to be initially skeptical of Curtin, he instilled confidence into his players and the fans as he guided the team into unchartered waters – the US Open Cup Final.
On Tuesday, they host the Seattle Sounders in the 101st edition of the US Open Cup.
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Philadelphia is coming off a thrilling, physical 2-2 tie against the New York Red Bulls. The Union deployed a “B team” starting XI in order to rest some of their normal starters. Curtin’s calculated roster gamble paid off and now he has some more rested legs for Tuesday’s game.
While some MLS teams don’t take the US Open Cup seriously every year, both the Seattle Sounders and Philadelphia Union took the Open Cup games seriously this season like they’ve done in past year. For Philadelphia, it is their first tangible shot to win a trophy in the club’s fifth year of existence. Yes, every one has a shot to win the MLS Cup at the beginning of every season, but they are one game away from lifting a trophy in the City of Brotherly Love.
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Playing the Open Cup Final at PPL Park in front of their supporters, the Sons of Ben, and fans makes the possibility of winning their first hardware even better. The Union would be able to celebrate alongside their fans and create memories that will last for lifetime for the players, coaches, and fans alike.
The last time a Philadelphia sports team was in 2008. The Philadelphia Soul won ArenaBowl XXII 59-56 over the San Jose SaberCats. Most notably, the Philadlephia Phillies won the 2008 World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays. Winning the team’s first World Series since 1980 sent Philadelphia into jubilation and brought a parade back down Broad St.
I understand the US Open Cup and even the MLS Cup are not as popular as the World Series, but the winners are crowned champions and deserve equal praise and recognition. It doesn’t take away from the fact that a team is still crowned a champion, they earn a shiny trophy, and the fans will celebrate the team’s accomplishment.
A Philadelphia Union win in the US Open Cup would bring much joy to the organization, fans, and even the media. The success in the US Open Cup would also motivate the team as they fight for a playoff spot and a chance to win the MLS Cup.
All in all, a 2014 US Open Cup Final win would mean a champion is back in the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia fans love their teams especially when they are winning. Also, a win would reward the Union allocation money and a spot in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League.