Jim Curtin has high praise for Raphael Wicky and the Chicago Fire

Jim Curtin has the Philadelphia Union absolutely rolling. They sit top of the league after a massive, 5-0 win over Toronto FC. Wednesday’s opponent, the Chicago Fire, are 11th in the MLS Eastern Conference, and on paper, should be an easy opponent for Philly to handle at home.

But Curtin isn’t looking past the Fire. He said he’s been keeping close tabs on the club where he spent many years as a player. Curtin is also pals with Fire head coach Raphael Wicky—the two played together at Chivas USA in 2008, and have remained close since.

Curtin gave a glowing assessment of Wicky’s Fire:

“Tricky game now with Chicago, a team that’s playing a lot better than their point total. They’ve been on the unlucky side of a lot of results. Their coach, Rapha Wicky, does a great job of getting them to play the right way. They’re very good in possession with the ball. They create a lot of chances. They’re organized defensively, and they press well together as a team. We recognize we’ll have our hands full.

“Chicago has some familiar faces, with Fabian Herbers, who’s having a great season. CJ Sapong as well. Those guys meant a lot to me as a coach, and to the Philadelphia Union as a club.

“Rapha is a great coach, and he’s a great person. Trust me, I’m Philadelphia Union always, first and foremost, but I do have my eye on Chicago, a club that I spent a lot of years at. He has it going in the right direction, which is good to see from afar.”

Philadelphia hosts the Fire Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on WGN and ESPN+.