As the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament begins to wind down, it’s more clear than ever that playing soccer in the Florida heat is taking its toll on the players. Jerseys cling to the skin almost immediately and every player has sweat pouring off of them within five minutes.
Luckily, MLS coaches have the option of making up to five subs during these matches to try to keep players fresh. But Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin doesn’t seem to be interested in taking advantage of these new substitution opportunities.
His subs for the first three matches of the tournament have followed a predictable pattern.