Tag Archive for: Jim Curtin

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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