Months after firing 2x MLS Coach of the Year Jim Curtin, the Union has finally appointed a new leader. Bradley Carnell has been named the 4th head coach in Union history. The question is did the club make the right choice?
Carnell was last seen with the expansion side St Louis City SC. Carnell helped St Louis explode onto the scene in their first season in MLS 2023. He led them to the top of the Western Conference. However, things turned sour quickly in the Midwest. He was fired midway through his second season with St Louis after the club took a large step backward.
Mixed Fanbase Reactions
The Union fanbase stands divided on the hire. Obviously, many fans never wanted to see Jim Curtin go. Simultaneously, no one wants an Ernst Tanner and Jay Sugarman yes man. It appears some fans think that is exactly what Carnell will be.
Curtin clearly fell out of ownership’s favor when he publicly blasted the Union’s spending philosophy. Carnell boasts a similar playstyle to Curtin, counterattack with a strong focus on defense. That fact clarifies that Tanner is not looking for a full club overhaul.
Some fans have hope that Carnell is the man who can lead the Union back to relevancy.
Only Time Can Tell
Whether the hire is a good or bad one, we won’t know until the season gets underway. All Union fans want to see the team succeed. However, this is a tumultuous time in Union history. Every single decision that is made will be scrutinized to the fullest extent.
Currently, the only thing fans can do is wait. The hope is Carnell is the man for the job. However, he has some mighty large Jim Curtin shoes to fill.
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