Washington (AFP) – Bradley Carnell, who guided first-year expansion side St. Louis to an MLS playoff top seeding, was named the new coach of the Philadelphia Union on Thursday. The 47-year-old South African replaces Jim Curtin, a two-time MLS Coach of the Year who was fired in November after leading the Union for a decade.
“Bradley has the attributes we were looking for in a manager and the experience needed as we commit to getting back to our identity as a team,” said Union sporting director Ernst Tanner. “With knowledge of both MLS and international markets, he is tactically astute and aligned with our sporting strategy. His approach emphasizes a high-press style of play while organizing a structured defense. Additionally, he shares the club’s vision for developing players. We are confident he will bring a clear sporting philosophy that elevates the team and delivers a competitive season.”
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In 2023, Carnell directed St. Louis City to the Western Conference crown in the club’s inaugural campaign but he was fired in July 2024 and went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Canadian national squad. Carnell, whose overall record in St. Louis was 22-15 with 25 drawn, also has served as interim head coach and assistant manager for the New York Red Bulls from 2017 through 2021.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to build upon an already solid foundation and aim to help raise the Union organization to the next level,” Carnell said. Carnell, a former defender who played in the German Bundesliga, played for South Africa in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The Union were 11th in the Eastern Conference last year, missing the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.
© 2024 AFP
