The Philadelphia Union continue to dominate Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
The team defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday at Red Bull Arena as goals from Daniel Gazdag and Mikael Uhre kept the visitors atop the table. But head coach Jim Curtin credited the fans for the win, adding “it really helped” maintain momentum.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in an MLS game that I’ve been a part of where our supporters that came outnumbered their supporters’ section,” said Curtin. “So a big thank you to them. It really helped. A special moment at the end of the game for our guys to go over and thank them for coming.”
Saturday’s victory also inspired the Union to lead the Supporters’ Shield race for the first time this season, standing three points clear of LAFC. Though the Western Conference giants are two games behind, their defeats against the Houston Dynamo and Austin FC may change the previously established course.
The team has already made history this season, setting a new club record for single-season wins with 17, inspiring greater goals. And they don’t plan on stopping.
“We’re going for it,” Curtin exclaimed about the Supporters’ Shield. “We’re going to give everything for it. We’re not going to sacrifice points, we’re not going to rest, we’re not going to change what we’re about.”
At this rate, should the Union win all four of their remaining matches, the team would reach 72 points to equal the second-most single-season points in league history. LAFC set the record during the 2019 campaign, lifting the Supporters’ Shield that year.
The Union hosts Orlando City next on September 10 at Subaru Park to continue their race towards the trophy.