CHESTER, PA– When Philadelphia Union forward Jay Simpson dashed into the penalty area in the 92nd minute of Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Sounders, he was doing exactly what he does in training every day.
The forward, who played 39 league minutes in 2018 prior to his cameo at CenturyLink Field, has been pushing each day in training despite his lack of playing time.
The readiness shown by Simpson forced Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei into a bad pass to his right, which landed at the boots of Fafa Picault, who proceeded to net the game-winning goal in the Union’s surprising 1-0 road victory.
“When Haris (Medunjanin) played the ball through, the defender played it back and I felt I could try and pick out the keeper so he couldn’t pick out a pass,” Simpson said. “I expected to him to go long and we could win the long ball or second ball. Fafa was high enough to press as well so he got the ball and got the goal.”
Simpson’s been stuck beneath C.J. Sapong and Cory Burke on the forward depth chart for the majority of the season, with his last appearance before Wednesday coming on April 13.
While he hasn’t seen the field much, Simpson’s been producing on the training field to stay ready for the opportunities that may come his way late in the season.
“I just try to come in every day to training and try to work hard and try to get something out of each day for myself,” Simpson said. “Hopefully if you get the nod, you don’t need to get ready if you stay ready. I try and stay sharp and fit and work hard and keep my head down. Hopefully if I get a nod, I’m ready.”
As it would be for any player, not featuring in the lineup or even the matchday 18 is frustrating. In some situations, the player might turn against his club, but Simpson’s done the opposite as he’s been ultimate team man during a rough time.
“As a player, it’s frustrating,” Simpson said. “You always want to play every week and play as many minutes as possible so it does get frustrating if you don’t get the opportunity to play many minutes. I just keep my head down and keep working hard and when my time comes, hopefully I’ll get the opportunity.”
The impressive form of Burke, who rose to the first team from United Soccer League affiliate Bethlehem Steel, and Sapong’s versatility to play on the wing as well as up top gave manager Jim Curtin no choice but to start the pair of forwards ahead of Simpson.
Even with Burke and Sapong receiving the bulk of the minutes, an understanding Simpson still kept optimism he’d receive another chance.
“As players, we’ve all played the game for a long time so you have a fair understanding of the game,” Simpson said. “Obviously if the team is doing well, then there’s not really going to be many changes.”
“You’re always hoping to get a chance,” Simpson said. “(Curtin) always tells the players to keep working hard and with a lot of games coming up we’re going to need the squad, so whether it’s pushing other players in training or getting some minutes, either way you just try to stay ready.”
Another opportunity for Simpson could come as early as Sunday’s home game with Sporting Kansas City. After the long trip to Seattle, the Union have to manage minutes of some starters ahead of Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup final in Houston and next Saturday’s crucial Eastern Conference tilt with the Columbus Crew.
If Simpson hears his name called for the second straight game, he’ll be ready to go, just like he has been all season.
“We want to go into Sunday and go for the win, especially with playoff places up for grabs,” Simpson said. “If there are changes made, I’m sure the guys coming in will impress and minus the Montreal game we’re on a good run so hopefully we can continue that.”