Jim Curtin arrived at Villanova from nearby Oreland, Pa., a soft-spoken yet tough-minded defender ready to take on the challenge of an underdog program. What began on the Main Line launched a professional playing career in Major League Soccer, with stops in Chicago and Los Angeles, before ultimately bringing him back home to Philadelphia in a coaching role. Through every chapter, Curtin embodied the values of grit, loyalty, and resilience, becoming a respected ambassador for the city, the university, and the game.
As a rookie in 1997, Curtin stepped on the field as an immediate game-changer in the back line, starting in all 20 games, while helping lead the Wildcats to their first BIG EAST Tournament appearance since 1993. Following this season, he was awarded BIG EAST Rookie of the Year. It was a sign of things to come.
Over the next four years, Curtin emerged as a commanding center back which complimented his extreme athleticism. He started in nearly every game of his collegiate career and went on to become a three-time All-BIG EAST selection, including First Team honors in 1999 and 2000.
By his junior season, Curtin was named co-captain, earned Philadelphia Soccer Seven All-Star recognition, and showed his versatility by stepping up to the midfield for the year and tallying three goals on just 13 shots. His senior year capped off a distinguished college career earning another First Team All-BIG EAST recognition and title as the co-Philadelphia Soccer Seven Player of the Year.
In 2001, Curtin became the first Villanova men’s soccer player drafted into Major League Soccer, selected 29th overall by the Chicago Fire. He would go on to play nine MLS seasons, appear in 172 games, and win two U.S. Open Cups in 2003 and 2005. In 2004, Curtin played 1,440 minutes, more than any other member of the Fire, and started in all 16 games. His dominant presence in the backline earned him a spot in the 2004 MLS All-Star game. Curtin played his final two seasons for Chivas USA and retired after the 2009 season.
In typical Curtin fashion, he returned home to Philadelphia after retirement and transitioned to coaching. In 2010, he joined the Philadelphia Union’s academy system, where he began developing young talent, and also volunteered as an assistant coach for the Villanova men’s soccer team. He was promoted to the Union’s first-team coaching staff in 2012 and, just two years later, was named head coach at 35. Over the next decade, Curtin transformed the Union into a consistent contender and force in Major League Soccer. Building a team culture around youth development and defense, Curtin led the team to capture the 2020 Supporters' Shield, its first MLS Cup Final appearance in 2022, and earned MLS Coach of the Year honors in both 2020 and 2022. He was the first Philadelphia-based head coach across the five major North American men’s professional sports leagues to win the award multiple times.
From Villanova’s back line to the MLS sidelines, Jim Curtin’s career has been defined by consistency, leadership, and a deep connection to his Philadelphia roots. A proud Villanova Wildcat, he remains a respected figure in both the local and national soccer communities.
