Soccer

South African Carnell takes over at Philadelphia Union

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI/Shutterstock (14360869c) St. Louis Soccer SC head coach Bradley Carnell talks with reporters during his weekly press conference at Citypark in St. Louis on Thursday, February 22, 2024. St. Louis is preparing for their 2024 Home Opener against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Soccer, St. Louis, Missouri, United States - 23 Feb 2024

Bradley Carnell has made a return to the dugout in Major League Soccer having been appointed head coach of Philadelphia Union, where there is already a South African connection.

The former Bafana Bafana left-back will take on his third head coach role in the United States top division having previously led New York Red Bulls, albeit on a caretaker basis, and new franchise St Louis City.

He made the latter Western Conference winners in their first season in MLS, a major surprise when many had tipped them to finish bottom, but they lost in the first round of the play-offs to Sporting Kansas City.

Their second season was more difficult and Carnell was sacked in July last year.

“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 Philadelphia 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. We look forward to welcoming him to Philadelphia.”

Carnell can now perhaps lay claim to being the South African coach with the highest profile in the global game, plying his trade in the biggest league of the country’s exports.

“I’m honored to be named head coach of the Philadelphia Union, and I would like to thank the Union ownership group and Ernst Tanner for their trust in me,” said Carnell. “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.”

Carnell takes over from long-serving Union coach Jim Curtin, who left his role in November after 10 years in charge at the club.
Former Stellenbosch FC defender Olwethu Makhanya will hope this is his breakthrough year under Carnell, having battled since he made the switch to the MLS in 2023.

The 20-year-old has been on the bench 29 times for the first team but not yet made it onto the pitch. He did make 26 appearances for the club’s reserve side in 2024 as they lost in the final of the MLS Next Pro competition to North Texas.
Union have been a competitive side since they joined the MLS in 2019, finishing third, first, second, first and fourth in the Eastern Conference.

They reached the championship final in 2022 but lost on penalties to Los Angeles FC following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the decider in which they led into the 128th minute of the game before Gareth Bale scored a late equaliser for the latter.
They have also twice made the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup in recent seasons, but lost in 2021 and 2023.