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Jim Curtin named as Union assistant coach

Photo: Earl Gardner

The Philadelphia Union announced on Thursday that Jim Curtin has been named as assistant coach.

Curtin, a native of Oreland, Pa., most recently was head coach of the Union Academy U-18s and guided the U-17s in their recent Generation adidas Cup winning campaign.

The club also announced that Brendan Burke had been given a contract extension to remain as assistant coach of the Union and head coach of PDL affiliate Reading United.

“We are excited to announce that Jim has officially joined our staff,” Union head coach John Hackworth said in the announcement. “He has done an excellent job coaching in our Academy and at YSC the last three years. Jim’s experience and knowledge of both MLS and the Philadelphia soccer market make him a great addition to our club. Also, being able to retain Brendan, who has been a key member of our staff the last two seasons, was equally as important. Brendan’s work ethic, experience as a head coach and understanding of our team will continue to be an invaluable asset.”

Curtin, who played eight seasons with Chicago Fire and two seasons with Chivas USA before retiring in 2009, said, “This is Philadelphia ,man, these players have to have that mentality that you roll up your sleeves when things get tough. We are going to try to play a style that is fast paced and will have a lot of goal scoring that I think the fans will enjoy. This is a league with a lot of parity and there is a fine line between wins and losses. We are close, right now and just a player or two being looked at in the offseason to put us over the edge.”

Curtin played youth soccer in Glenside and at Council Rock before playing at Villanova. There he received Big East Rookie of the Year honors and All-Big East honors in his junior and senior year.

“I have wanted to be with this club in some capacity since I knew there was going to be a team in Philadelphia,” said Curtin. “I see a team of very talented young individuals…but they are a young group. I think adding some veteran leadership in the locker room will go a long way and we are strongly exploring that right now, bringing in a guy with credentials but exemplifying the toughness it takes to play here and help us win a championship.”

2 Comments

  1. How appropriate the pic of him is knocking Kevin around at the River Cup. He did that a lot. Grumble grumble.
    Regardless, congrats to Jim, definitely a great choice to have as assistant.

  2. Well deserved for both Jim and Brendan!

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