Philadelphia Union Welcomes Bradley Carnell as New Head Coach

The Philadelphia Union has officially appointed Bradley Carnell as their new head coach, marking a significant change in leadership as the team prepares for the 2025 MLS season. Carnell, who previously led St. Louis CITY SC to a historic Western Conference Championship, aims to restore the Union’s competitive edge and build on the club’s existing foundation.

Key Takeaways

• Bradley Carnell is the fourth head coach in Philadelphia Union history.
• He previously led St. Louis CITY SC to the 2023 Western Conference Championship.
• Carnell emphasizes a high-press style of play and player development.
• The Union are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season.

A New Era for the Union

The Philadelphia Union has entered a new chapter with the hiring of Bradley Carnell, who takes over from Jim Curtin, the club’s long-time head coach. Curtin was dismissed after a challenging 2024 season, where the Union finished 12th in the Eastern Conference and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Carnell, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the last two seasons as the inaugural head coach of St. Louis CITY SC. Under his leadership, the team achieved a remarkable 17-12-3 record, becoming the first expansion team to win a conference regular season title. His tactical acumen and commitment to a high-press style of play align with the Union’s vision for the future.

Carnell’s Coaching Philosophy

Carnell’s coaching philosophy is centered around several key principles:

• High-Press Style: He advocates for an aggressive, high-pressing approach that aims to disrupt opponents and create scoring opportunities.
• Structured Defense: Emphasizing organization at the back, Carnell aims to build a solid defensive unit that can withstand pressure.
• Player Development: A strong focus on nurturing young talent is a cornerstone of his strategy, ensuring that the Union’s homegrown players continue to thrive.

Acknowledgments and Vision

In his introductory remarks, Carnell expressed gratitude to the Union’s ownership and Sporting Director Ernst Tanner for their trust in him. He stated, "Philadelphia is an amazing city, built on communities of hardworking and passionate people who truly love their soccer. I am excited for this opportunity to build upon an already solid foundation and aim to help raise the Union organization to the next level that our fans and city can be proud of."

Looking Ahead

As the Union prepares for the upcoming season, they will look to bounce back from last year’s struggles. The team will kick off their 2025 campaign on February 22 against Orlando City SC. Key players such as goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielder Dániel Gazdag, and striker Tai Baribo will be crucial as the Union seeks to reclaim their place among the league’s elite.

With Carnell at the helm, the Philadelphia Union is poised for a fresh start and renewed ambition as they aim to return to playoff contention and make their mark in Major League Soccer.

Sources

• Bradley Carnell Named Philadelphia Union Head Coach – The Philly Soccer Page, The Philly Soccer Page.
• Union hire Bradley Carnell as new head coach – SBI Soccer, SBI Soccer.
• Philadelphia Union name Bradley Carnell head coach | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.