photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union II head coach, Ryan Richter, has been named as the MLS side’s interim head coach, while a “global search for the club’s next head coach,” will start, as stated in a press release. Richter’s Union II side are 5-2-4 in 11 matches in MLS Next Pro this year, good enough to occupy the last playoff spot in eighth place. 

In addition to the departure of Carnell, the Union also announced the hiring of Jon Scheer as Sporting Director, where he will be taking the role of Ernst Tanner. Tanner was suspended without pay during an investigation into his workplace conduct. Scheer has occupied the interim Sporting Director role in his place and will now take over the job fully. Before being given the interim post, Scheer directed the club’s academy and professional development. 

https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-announce-sporting-changes

This change comes with nearly two full months to go until the Union’s next game, when they host New York Red Bulls on July 22nd. Following that match, the Union play two more MLS matches at home, giving Richter or any other appointment plenty of time to instill a system with the players. Only Danely Jean Jaques and Olwethu Makhanya have been called up to play in the World Cup at the moment, meaning there will be a nearly complete squad around to build relationships with their skipper. 

“While the search for a new head coach begins immediately, we have full confidence in Ryan’s ability to lead the team through this transition, given his familiarity with the players and strong commitment to the club’s philosophy and style of play,” said Philadelphia Union chairperson Jay Sugarman in a statement. 

The Union have 19 matches left to play in MLS, their only active competition. At seven points, they sit four points behind Atlanta at the rock bottom of the Eastern Conference and 11 points behind DC United for the last playoff spot. Their 18 goals scored and 30 conceded is 2nd and 4th worst in the Eastern Conference, respectively. The U’s most recent match saw them lose 6-4 on the road to Inter Miami.