Philadelphia Union: The Rise of Joshua Yaro

With the injury to center back Ken Tribbett, the Philadelphia Union have been forced to rely on another rookie, Joshua Yaro.

The Philadelphia Union drafted two Georgetown defenders with the second and third picks in the MLS SuperDraft but so far this season only Keegan Rosenberry has been receiving fanfare. Ken Tribbett has been out with an ankle injury since the Philadelphia Union’s game against Orlando City SC on April 9th.

Prior to Tribbett’s injury Yaro was making appearances for the Union’s USL team, Bethlehem Steel FC (BSFC). Yaro didn’t look particularly good in USL play but some of the struggles can be attributed to the inexperienced players around him. On BSFC, most players are playing out of position to see how versatile they are and others lack professional playing experience creating a tough environment for a rookie looking to make their mark.

When Tribbett was hurt the Philadelphia Union called upon Joshua Yaro over Brazillian import Anderson Conceicao (this shows that the coaching staff doesn’t feel that Anderson is ready for MLS competition).

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Yaro has stepped into the starting XI for the past three games in between Keegan Rosenberry and Richie Marquez. Being with a familiar face like Rosenberry has helped Yaro out while he gets his feet wet in MLS play but the biggest help has been the play of Richie Marquez. Marquez has been the rock of the Philadelphia Union back line this season consistently making tackles and clearances before they trouble Andre Blake.

With Yaro having such a consistent partner it allows him to be a little more aggressive especially since his pace gives him room for error if he takes a bad angle. Yaro averages 1.3 tackles per game and 4.7 clearances per game according to whoscored.com. In comparison, Ken Tribbett was averaging 1 tackle per game and 5 clearances per game. On interceptions, they are also equal with Yaro at 3 per game and Tribbett at 2.8.

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Ken Tribbett (4) kicks the ball away from Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

What does this mean when Ken Tribbett is healthy again?

Head coach Jim Curtin is going to have a tough decision to make between the two center backs when they are available for selection at the same time. Yaro has shown that he’s capable enough to start for the Philadelphia Union but he will have his growing pains i.e. his clearances in the San Jose game this past weekend. Tribbett on the other hand, hasn’t done anything wrong and comes with the feel good story about how he was supposed to be starting for BSFC but impressed the coaches so much that he earned a spot with the Union.

Curtin will probably lean towards Tribbett due to the fact that he had the starting role prior and there isn’t enough to split the two center backs. Yaro has emerged from this with improved stock, though, he has shown that he can adequately start for the Philadelphia Union which is an improvement from preseason play. Yaro has the higher potential of the two and he should be expected to take over the starting role later in the season, especially if he has good showings in the US Open Cup.

Next: The Union's Draw with San Jose Shows Signs of Growing Pains

Overall, it’s good to have a competition at center back for the Philadelphia Union because it won’t allow anyone to get complacent. It won’t be to the degree of the midfield logjam currently but Yaro and Tribbett should be able to push each other throughout the season. With Yaro’s pace and ablitiy with the ball at his feet it’s only a matter of time until he wins out but it should be interesting to watch until that point. The back line looks like it will be in good hands this season and beyond and that’s a beautiful thing.

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