“This team has now answered a lot of questions.”

That’s how Jim Curtin began his post-match comments after his team knocked off Toronto FC 2-1, their first victory at BMO Field since 2014. The Union took the lead in the first half and regained it in the second before holding off a late surge from the home side.

“I think you’re starting to see the quality of Jamiro Monteiro and his ability to get around the field and make plays for us,” Curtin continued. “A special win and you can feel the energy from the guys afterwards in the locker room.”

Fear No One

A theme Curtin has returned to again and again this season is that the Union need to think of themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, not a team fighting for a playoff spot. It certainly looked like he was getting buy-in on Saturday.

“I think our players deserve all the credit as they’re not scared of any team. I think they respect everybody, but they’re not scared of anyone,” Curtin stated outright. “We know we had something special in the locker room but now I think people are taking notice that it’s a team that can play with anybody in our league.”

Play simple, win big

After blowing out New England a week ago, the Union knew they would have a far tougher test on the road at a team that brought in an $11 million player in the offseason to pair with Jozy Altidore.

In the end, though, it was the Union’s big striker that made a huge difference.

“I don’t really remember how it was,” Kacper Przybylko said of his game-winning assist. “But I was in a great situation to get the ball from someone. I don’t remember who passed the ball to me, but I saw Jamiro running in the gap, so I passed him the ball and you know he finished it.

The goalscorer himself was similarly concise in describing his big play. “In that moment I see Kacper running to the left side into space and how he was moving made space in the middle. And I was faster than the man behind me so it led me to the chance and I scored the goal.”

It was a game-winner, and it means the Union remain in first place in the Eastern Conference as they prepare for a Seattle Sounders team that has the talent to go head-to-head with anybody in the league.

Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. ET showdown will be memorable.