Tag Archive for: Jim Curtin

Curtin and Union Remain Unbeaten….IPZ Partners with NY Titans….Pop Singer Capri signs with IPZ….IPZ signs Deuce Jones for NIL Purposes

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Curtin and Union Remain Unbeaten in MLS Action

Jim Curtin, and the Philadelphia Union came up big this past weekend as the Union battled back for a 2-1 road win at Nashville SC to extend its unbeaten start in MLS play.  

Curtin credited his players for fighting to the final whistle of every match and finding ways to win.  

“My players have a ton of heart,” Curtin said. “They’re never out of a game. They’ll play to the final whistle. From minute 1 to minute 90, anything can happen, and we stick with things and we fight. Is it always perfect? No. But at the same time, I think we put in the work for our fans, for the Philadelphia Union badge, for the city and these guys give everything. That commitment is kind of ingrained in our roster.”  

The Philadelphia Union, look to extend their unbeaten streak to 7 games, as their Eastern Conference road trip continues with a matchup with Atlanta United FC on Sunday, April 14th. Kickoff is set for 2:30PM ET with the action on FOX and free on Apple TV.  

IPZ Partner with NY Titans

The New York Titans, a fast-growing men’s and youth developmental soccer club in Brooklyn, NY, has signed with IPZ for marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

The Titans men’s team competes in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), the largest pro-development league in North America. The club also fields several youth teams in different age groups.

The club was founded during the Covid pandemic by Ukrainian actress Olga Lezhneva, who moved to Brooklyn in 2014.

You can learn more about the club here: NY Titans, and follow them on Instagram here: NY Titans FC Instagram

Pop Singer Capri signs with IPZ

Nineteen-year-old Capri Everitt, who famously sang 80 national anthems in 80 countries during a one year period when she was 11 years old, has signed with IPZ for marketing opportunities. 

The pop singer, who hails from Vancouver, Canada, recently performed at an international soccer tournament in Dallas, and has performed national anthems at many professional sporting events in North America.  

With more than 1 million followers on social media, Capri has strived to raise awareness for orphaned and abandoned children around the world. In 2019, she was cited by the Huffington Post as “one of 16 girls who changed the world.”  

You can learn more about Capri and experience her music here: Capri Everitt

IPZ signs Deuce Jones for NIL Purposes

Deuce Jones, an all-State guard with College Achieve Public Charter School in Asbury Park, NJ, has signed with IPZ for NIL opportunities.  

Jones, a Trenton, NJ native, is considered one of the top players in New Jersey and is currently ranked seventh overall in the state and has an overall 3-star rating by 247 Sports.  

Jones will begin his college career in September at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Deuce recently led College Achieve to an NJ Group 1 Title, averaging 21 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3 steals throughout his senior campaign.  

“Deuce is a player who’s best basketball is ahead of him,” said College Achieve coach Dave Boff. “He showed tremendous growth this year and will only continue to get better as he moves on to La Salle.”  

Follow Deuce on Instagram here: Deuce Jones Instagram  

Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season…. Big Cliff Spreading the Word About Cancer Screening…. Curtin Preparing for 2024 MLS Season

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Meggie Dougherty Howard Begins Pre-Season Training with Angel City FC

Midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, who recently joined Angel City FC, has begun preparations for the 2024 NWSL season.  

Dougherty Howard and Angel City FC kicked-off their NWSL preseason last week at their home training ground in Thousand Oaks, CA. Angel City FC will continue their preparations in California with a series of preseason friendly matches and training sessions over the next few weeks. Angle City’s 2024 NWSL opener is set for March 16th at home against Bay FC.  

Dougherty Howard, a NWSL Shield winner last year with San Diego Wave FC, hopes to bring her winning mentality and veteran leadership to her new club Angel City FC as it looks to build off of a strong 2023 campaign.  

Big Cliff Helps Spread the Word About Cancer Screening

Cliffor Omoruyi used his Big Ten and Rutgers’ platforms to help Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings.

In four social media posts, Cliff talked about the importance of screenings during the NCAA’s “Suits & Sneakers” weekend games. In one post, Cliff put on his own suit and sneaks, saying “It’s not just the coaches who can wear suits and sneakers to spread the word.”

“We’re thrilled that Cliff is joining Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the American Cancer Society to share the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and cancer screening,” said Dr. Eric Berman, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “He has helped many important causes, like the Salvation Army’s programs in Newark, and we are glad he is part of our team. It makes sense that one of the nation’s top defenders is helping defeat cancer.”

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Continue Preparations for the 2024 MLS Season

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently wrapped up their first phase of preseason training in Clearwater, FL with a 3-1 victory over New York City FC (MLS) in a preseason friendly.  

“The first phase of preseason has gone very well,” said Curtin, “we had three really high-level games against CR Flamengo (Brazil), Austin FC (MLS), and now NYCFC (MLS). The group continued to get better through each of our three matches and were able to build up a lot of fitness and confidence going into the next phase of pre-season.”  

After a week back in Philadelphia, the Union will return to Clearwater, FL on February 5th to wrap-up the second phase of preseason with matches scheduled against FC Cincinnati on Feb. 9th and culminating with a match against New England Revolution on Feb.14th.  

Coming off a strong 2023 campaign the Union again qualified for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC), a tournament that includes the top 27 teams in North and Central America. Philadelphia will kick-off its 2024 season and the CCC competition with an away game against Deportivo Saprissa, in Costa Rica on February, 20th at 10:00 PM EST. MLS action for the Union will begin on February 24th at their home at Subaru Park against the Chicago Fire FC with kick-off set for 7:30 PM EST.  

Curtin & Union Clinch MLS Playoffs…Omoruyi & Rutgers Basketball Outlook…Okert Ready for MLB Postseason…Dougherty-Howard Playoff Bound

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Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Clinch Sixth Consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoff Appearance + Curtin Featured in Fashion Editorial Hypebeast

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently clinched their sixth consecutive trip to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and further solidified their status as one of the best clubs in Major League Soccer. Runners up in the 2022 MLS Cup, Curtin and the Union are looking to bring home their first MLS Cup in 2023. 

Additionally, if you love sneakers, fashion, and streetwear, check out Jim’s recent feature in Hypebeast, a popular daily fashion editorial with tens of millions of followers. Jim discusses his love for the Air Jordan 1 shoe model and how he connects with his players through sneakers and fashion. 

Cliff Omoruyi’s Outlook on the Rutgers Men’s Basketball Season

Cliff Omoruyi, an All-Big Ten Team selection in 2022-23, and his Rutgers teammates kick off the 2023-2024 NCAA Basketball Season on November 6th, for an in-state battle with Ivy League Powerhouse Princeton. Omoruyi, who was recently featured in an nj.com article this past week, shared some insight into why Rutgers Basketball fans should be itching for November 6th to roll around.

“This team is going to be different,” Omoruyi explained and also added, “We’ve got a lot of guys who can attack one-on-one now, who can kick out for the three. We’ve got a lot of guys who can do that.”  

Catch Rutgers and Cliff, a recent addition to the National Collegiate Honor Society, all season long as they look to bring a Big Ten title back to New Jersey!  


Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins Clinch a Spot in the 2023 MLB Playoffs

For the fourth time in franchise history, Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins are headed to the MLB playoffs. The Marlins clinched a playoff spot with a 7-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday and will now shift their focus to making a deep run into October. Okert appeared in 64 games out of the bullpen for Miami this season, posting a 4.45 ERA.  

Catch the Marlins this week as they take on last year’s NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies in a 3 game Wild Card series and try to deliver a championship to Miami! 

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and the San Diego Wave FC Clinch a Spot in the 2023 NWSL Post Season

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and San Diego Wave FC have clinched a spot in the 2023 NWSL post season. The NWSL playoffs are scheduled to kick-off on October 22nd. 

San Diego Wave FC will look to finish the season strong, with two regular season games remaining. They travel to North Carolina to face off against the North Carolina Courage on October 7th, before returning home to finish out the regular season against Racing Louisville FC on October 15th.  

Dougherty-Howard, a key contributor to the Waves’ success looks to bring San Diego Wave FC their first NWSL Championship in franchise history.  

Jim Curtin Extended; Okert and Thaiss Shine; Cliff and Rutgers visit Senegal; Stitz makes MLS Debut

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Philadelphia Union extends Coach Curtin through the 2026 season

Philadelphia Union announced Tuesday (July 11th) that the club has signed Head Coach Jim Curtin, two-time MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year, to a multi-year contract extension that it guaranteed through 2026. Currently in his 10th season as head coach, he is the second longest tenured coach in the MLS and also holds the second most regular season wins with a single team at 127. 

“Jim is one of the top coaches in the league and we’re thrilled to have come to an agreement to extend his leadership with Union,” said Jay Sugarman, Principal Owner of the Philadelphia Union. He added that Curtin’s leadership is critical to the team’s success and he looks forward to watching his players and the team continue to hit new milestones under his direction. 

Jim recently finished the 2022 campaign setting numerous records with the club, including most wins (19), most goals scored (72), fewest goals conceded (26), and greatest goal differential (46). 

Steven Okert and Matt Thaiss shine during the first half of the season

Steven Okert is having a breakout season for the Miami Marlins. During the first half of the season, he has posted a career best 2.53 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and has allowed only 9 earned runs in 32 innings pitched. With already 3 wins under his belt, Okert is on pace to beat last year’s total by a wide margin.

Thrust into his first starting role after five seasons in MLB, Matt Thaiss has been a key component to the Los Angeles Angels lineup. Posting a batting average of .256, Matt also has 43 hits, 22 RBI’s and 24 runs scored.  

Both the Marlins and Angels resume play Friday as the second half of the baseball season gets underway. 

Cliff Omoruyi and Rutgers Travel to Senegal and Portugal

Last Starting on Tuesday, August 8th, Cliff Omoruyi and his Rutgers basketball teammates will go on an international tour to Senegal and Portugal. The tour, which concludes on August 19th will have Rutgers face off against local and national basketball clubs at each location.

“This foreign tour will give our team the opportunity to prepare for the challenge of the upcoming season against great international competition, as well as proving an unbelievable cultural experience of three great cities,” head coach Steve Pikiell said. 

For Cliff and other F-1 Visa athletes on the team, it will also provide an opportunity for the players to earn NIL compensation as Ambassadors for brands. United States law allows U.S. college athletes to earn NIL compensation at any time, but athletes attending U.S. colleges on F-1 visas must be “off-shore” to have the same opportunity. To understand more about this issue, please click here.




Ben Stitz makes MLS debut against NY Red Bulls



Rookie Ben Stitz, who was recently called up to FC Cincinnati’s first team on a short-term loan, made his MLS debut against the NY Red Bulls on Wednesday night. Ben’s first MLS action came as a substitute in the 73rd minute with FC Cincinnati trailing 1-0. The offensive substitutions changed the momentum of the game and FC Cincinnati was able to come back for an important 2-1 road victory, taking all 3 points back to Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati is in action again this Saturday evening at home against Nashville SC, a battle of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.



Jack Elliott worthy of Rookie of Year consideration, Curtin says

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Philadelphia Union have never had a Rookie of the Year winner, though Jim Curtin thinks that could change very soon.

Philly’s coach declared as such after his side’s 3-0 loss at the New England Revolution last Saturday, one where first-year center back Jack Elliott was a bright spot on an otherwise dreary night.

“For me, I think he’s been the Rookie of the Year,” Curtin said of Elliott. “He’s played at that level and I thought he was excellent again tonight.”

When asked about his coach’s remarks, the 6-foot-5 Elliott responded true to character: Humble, soft spoken and driven.

“It’s nice to hear that kind of praise from the coach,” Elliott said. “It doesn’t really change anything; I’ve still got to perform every week. Nothing is decided. To be of that caliber you have to perform all the way through the season. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Still, it’s hard not to reflect upon how the 21-year-old is of a different mold and backstory than Cyle Larin and Jordan Morris, MLS’s last two Rookie of the Year winners. The former is a star for Orlando City SC, while the latter just scored the game-winning goal in the Gold Cup final for the US national team.

Elliott, meanwhile, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft after playing at West Virginia University. He was, at best, a long shot for even making the roster, but now he’s started 17 consecutive games in the heart of the Union’s defense.

It’s a trajectory that few expected, and Elliott himself was quick to shy away from praise when asked about the key to his success.

“Just going through the same routine every week,” Elliott said. “Eating healthy, sleeping, all that kind of stuff that helps you perform. Then obviously going out every day and competing against our boys in training and at the weekend against other teams.”

Read the full story here: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/07/30/jack-elliott-worthy-rookie-year-consideration-curtin-says