Who is the third center-back, again?
With Lowe gone to Saudi Arabia, who is CB3?
Damion Lowe's sudden departure to Saudi Arabia, although somewhat hinted at by his cryptic tweet a few weeks back, poses a challenge to an already thin Philadelphia Union squad. Who, realistically, is the third centerback for a team that is battling uphill to earn a spot in an already expanded playoff system?
Let’s hear from Jim Curtin, who was asked about this role during Friday's press conference:
"Yeah, look, we have some options with Nathan Harriel, who can slide in there and do it. He's played center back this year for us. Makhanya hasn't gotten minutes with the first team, but he has with the second group. We do recognize it's a bit of a risk, not dissimilar to when we lost Stuart Findlay years back, where we relied on the two of them to close out the year.
So yes, they can do it.
We have to get through these next two games, and then we get a bit of a break for some recovery with the international window. After that, there are a couple more Saturday-Wednesday-Sunday setups for us, so it will be busy.
Those guys have done it in the past. If the load becomes too much, we're comfortable making a change and maybe giving Nathan a shot at center back, or Makhanya as well."
It seems like Nate Harriel is the likely answer, though Curtin did not entirely rule out an appearance from Olwethu should the occasion arise.
This isn’t surprising, considering Harriel played a fantastic game earlier in the season against MLS standout Salomon Rondon and Pachuca when the team visited Subaru Park during the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
However, the situation with Olwethu is less convincing. Despite being one of the best-paid MLS Next Pro players and holding a coveted roster spot through the U22 initiative, he has yet to make his mark at the first-team level.
Would it be great to see what he can do? Absolutely. But as Curtin mentioned, the young South African still has a lot to learn before he's ready to make a first-team appearance.
With nine games left and a potential playoff run, will this be enough?
Only time will tell. However, I’d venture to guess that a former defender and defensively minded coach like Jim Curtin would prefer to have more options at his disposal.
Good question.