PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Union's first appearance in the Concacaf Champions League continues to go very well. They finished in a one-all draw with Atlanta United on Tuesday at Subaru Park, winning the aggregate scoring of the quarterfinals match 4-1. They will play either Club América of Mexico City or the Portland Timbers in the semifinals in August.
"Couldn't be more proud of the players," head coach Jim Curtin said. "They deserve all the credit. We're into the final four of this continent, which sounds crazy. And I think everybody kind of has to pinch themselves in the locker room and in the stands."
The Union were in a comfortable position entering the second leg, because of their 3-0 win at Atlanta last week. But that doesn't take away from Kacper Pryzbylko's goal in the 88th minute to even Tuesday's score at 1. It's his fifth goal of Concacaf competition.
The advancement is significant for this club, which has been experiencing its greatest success in the past few seasons.
"It's huge," captain Alejandro Bedoya said. "We continue to make history."
The 34-year-old has been on the Union since 2016 and has led them through their ascension.
"I don't think Philly was kind of respected before I got here, but we for damn sure have shown what we're all about," Bedoya said. "We got an identity. We created a culture here, and I think it just oozes throughout the whole club."
That identity was on display after the match when head coach Jim Curtin addressed an uncomfortable-looking moment he had with Atlanta United coach Gabriel Heinze.
Heinze thought the Union players were diving and faking injuries, Curtin said.
"He's an incredible coach. He's an incredible player," Curtin said of Heinze. "But you can still be also a sore looser and be a a--hole at the end of the game. So, I still think there's a right way. I think you should shake hands like men after the game."
You can watch Curtin's full answer below.
The Union will play Atlanta again on June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Their opponent in the Concacaf semifinals in August will be determined late Wednesday night, when Club América face the Timbers in the second leg of their quarterfinal series.
