Ex-Union manager hired by Austin FC

In late May, the Philadelphia Union announced that they were parting ways with Bradley Carnell, who was in the midst of his second year at Subaru Park. His first season saw the Union shoot towards the top of the MLS’ Eastern Conference standings with 66 points, which was more than the likes of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and consistent contenders, FC Cincinnati.

This season would prove to be a different beast for Carnell and the Union, as they would struggle to get things going early on in the season, failing to record a win in their six games of the year, with the team recording three points from their win against CF Montreal being their first of the campaign.

That win would be their only one going into Carnell’s sacking, along with four draws, but Philadelphia’s seven points sees them well in the last spot of the Eastern Conference standings.

While Ryan Richter is Philadelphia’s interim manager, it’s believed that the team will continue to look for a permanent coach moving forward, but their inquest won’t lead them towards a familiar face: Jim Curtin.

Curtin’s new gig

It is hard to imagine Jim Curtin anywhere else other than the technical box at Subaru Park, donning some variation of Union merchandise, but that will have to be the case, as the former Philadelphia manager has been hired by Austin FC.

Similar to Philadelphia, Austin has struggled to get things going this season, gaining 14 points from 15 games on the pitch.

Los Verdes will be only the second MLS side under Curtin’s coaching belt, having only been with the Union in his prior experiences.

During the Pennsylvania native's decade-long run at Subaru Park, he would help lead the team to a single Supporters' Shield, as well as the runner-up to the MLS Cup in 2022, losing out to LAFC, as well as the runners-up of the U.S. Open Cup on three separate occasions.

A key note about Curtin’s appointment is that it will take place at the end of the 2026 campaign, so it will be some time before Los Verdes supporters see him in their technical box.

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