During the 2014 season, Hackworth was fired after a run of poor results with Curtin being named interim manager during the team's search for a permanent replacement. The Union saw a turnaround of form under Curtin, losing only 5 of the remaining 16 matches in the season and advanced to the U.S. Open Cup final, ultimately finishing runners-up to Seattle Sounders in extra time. This success was rewarded on November 7, 2014, the Philadelphia Union announced that Curtin would take the reins as the head coach; removing the "interim" title he had held previously.