PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Union "probably got one of our biggest wins in our club’s history," said head coach Jim Curtin Tuesday night. His team had just shut out Atlanta United on the road 3-0, with Union fans in attendance.
The team is on the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals series. Founded in 2008 and in action since 2010, the Union are now just one decent game against Atlanta United from advancing to the semifinals in their first time competing in the CCL. That's assuming they remain ahead of Atlanta in the aggregate format.
Goalkeeper Andre Blake was instrumental in keeping the match scoreless in the first half.
Kacper Pryzbylko scored two goals in the 57th and 73rd minutes, and he assisted Anthony Fontana putting one home in the 86th.
"We’re in the final eight now of teams on this continent," Curtin said. "I said that in the pregame speech — as crazy as that sounds — we deserve to be here. And I told them to go and show everyone what we’re about and that we do deserve to be here, and I think they responded very well."
The Union return to Major Leaguie Soccer competition on Saturday at home when they host New York City FC at Subaru Park in Chester. The Union have yet to pick up a win through their first two MLS matches this season.
On Tuesday, May 4, in Chester — it’s the second leg of this Concacaf quarterfinal against Atlanta. Curtin said they’re halfway through a heavyweight fight, and the rest of it won’t be easy.
"I love this group of players," Curtin said. "I think they represent the city well. I think the Philadelphia Union fans can be proud. Thank you to the couple hundred of fans that were up in the rafters. They were great cheering us on and a special win for sure. One that we won’t ever forget, but we’re only at halftime now and we recognize that, and that’s a very good Atlanta opponent."