Takeaway Talk: No reason to panic

After a much-needed international break the Union came up really short against Eastern Conference rivals Montreal Impact on Saturday night as their neighbors from the north paid them back for what at the time was the Union’s first win away from home in nearly a calendar year back in May.

Looking back one more time on Saturday night before the team takes on red hot Seattle Sounders in a tricky midweek excursion west, here are some takeaways.

Every team has a bad day

The Philadelphia Union played bad. REALLY bad. But that is no reason to panic. The team is coming off the international break, and Montreal is a good team. But they are a team you need to beat to show the rest of MLS that you are ready for the playoffs. Four bad goals don’t tell the story of the Union defense, so there is no need to question anything.

Playoffs?

Now with that game behind them, we need to realize that the U.S. Open Cup next week. I would rather the Union get (Saturday night) out of their system to avoid kinks against Houston. While the midweek game against Seattle doesn’t help much at all, it’s all about a short memory for Philadelphia. I’d rest most of the guys for Seattle and Kansas City to get them ready for the USOC. And with the playoff push in full swing, don’t be shocked to see rotated lineups. You still have a lot of major games left, including against teams currently above them in the standings like New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew.

Don’t lose faith in Jim just yet

I saw many fans angry at Jim Curtin, and rightfully so. You conceded four goals at home to a team that you should and can beat. But that’s no need to call for his head just yet. If the Union lose the USOC and collapse in the playoffs, then maybe it will be time to show him the door. But I’m all aboard the Jim Curtin train. I think he’s the man to lead us for the foreseeable future. One loss shouldn’t change our minds.

What were your takeaways from Saturday night? Share them in the comments.