Philadelphia Union Names Bradley Carnell Head Coach – NBC Sports Philadelphia

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The Philadelphia Union announced Thursday that they have named Bradley Carnell as the fourth head coach in franchise history.

The news came nearly two months after the club parted ways with Jim Curtin, who spent 10 years and 11 seasons as head coach of the Union.

Carnell brings 10 years of professional coaching experience, including eight seasons in Major League Soccer. Most recently, he spent two seasons as manager of St. Louis CITY SC as the team’s acting head coach.

The South African native led CITY SC to become the 2023 Western Conference Champions with a 17-12-3 record. It became the first expansion team to win a regular-season conference title and recorded 17 wins.

“Bradley has the qualities we were looking for in a manager and the experience needed as we commit to returning to our identity as a team,” said Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner. “With knowledge of both MLS and international markets, he is tactically astute and in line with our sporting strategy.

“His approach emphasizes a high-pressing style of play while organizing a structured defence. In addition, he shares the club’s vision to develop players.

“We are confident that he will bring a clear sports philosophy that will elevate the team and deliver a competitive season. We look forward to welcoming him to Philadelphia.”

Carnell began his coaching career as head coach of the University of Johannesburg men’s team from 2012-2015.

The former defender played professionally for 18 years and made his debut as a 16-year-old with Wits University in South Africa in 1993.

“I am honored to be named Head Coach of the Philadelphia Union and would like to thank the Union ownership group and Ernst Tanner for their confidence in me,” Carnell said. “Philadelphia is a great city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love their football.

“I am excited for this opportunity to build on an already solid foundation and aim to help elevate the Union organization to the next level that our fans and city can be proud of.”