After winning the Supporter’s Shield in 2020 and advancing to the Eastern Conference final last season, Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin knows it’s MLS Cup or bust when his team opens the 2022 season against Minnesota United on Saturday afternoon in Chester, Pa.
Last season Philadelphia lost to eventual MLS Cup champ New York City FC, 2-1, in the Eastern Conference final two days after losing 11 players to COVID-19 protocol. The Union also finished second to the New England Revolution during the regular season.
“We know that the bar has been raised,” Curtin told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We know that there’s more expectations from ourselves, from our fans. I think that’s natural as any team improves and gets a little bit further each and every year, and, maybe, new steps forward each year.”
The Union added some firepower up front in the form of strikers Julian Carranza, who was acquired on loan from Inter Miami, and designated player Mikael Uhre, who scored 11 goals in 16 games for Brondby IF last season while garnering Danish Superliga Player of the Season honors.
Minnesota United bounced back from an 0-4 start to finish fifth in the Western Conference with a 13-11-10 record and 49 points. The Loons made a quick exit in the playoffs, however, losing 3-1 in the first round to the Portland Timbers, who eventually reached the MLS Cup final.
“Great attitude from the players, intensity of the work has been first class,” Minnesota United manager Adrian Heath said of his team’s preseason camp. “It’s been a really good five and a half weeks, but like everybody, we are looking forward to the season.”
All-Star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso, who had 10 assists last season and is an MVP candidate according to Heath, is with the team and will play Saturday despite a December arrest in his hometown of Cordoba, Argentina, for allegedly threatening a 16-year-old with a gun. Reynoso was detained for more than a week while the case was investigated, and posted a $10,000 bond.
“My lawyer told me thank God everything is resolved,” Reynoso told reporters Thursday. “So now I’m here and I’m only thinking about playing.”
Heath said: “It wasn’t ideal for everybody. We went through the proper protocol with the league. He has come back here and he’s in really good shape, looks like he’s really enjoying football.”
–Field Level Media
