Philadelphia Union: Rookies Shine in Victory at Columbus

With the recent signings the Philadelphia Union have made in this most recent transfer window, it’s abundantly clear that they are preparing themselves for a true playoff run. But last night against the Columbus Crew, it was the young guns from the 2016 MLS SuperDraft that proved to be the x-factor in a crucial victory for the boys in blue.

Coming off a lackluster performance versus Toronto F.C. this past weekend, the Philadelphia Union came into Wednesday night’s match against the Columbus Crew with a real chip on their shoulder. Dropping points against any eastern conference opposition would prove to be detrimental to the club’s goal of reaching the playoffs for only the second time in their franchise’s brief history. A season sweep of the defending conference champions was the goal for Jim Curtin’s squad and for the majority of the game, the Union looked to be the more threatening side.

“I think Keegan is the best rookie in our league right now. I think he’s established himself as such” -Jim Curtin

Solidarity at the back has been a wildcard for Philadelphia this season as the rotation between young center backs Joshua Yaro and Ken Tribbett has been a crucial decision for the Union head coach. Yaro’s selection against the speedy and skillful Columbus attackers was key to limiting their chances in front of net. The rookie’s pace and defensive commitment on runs into the box helped squander numerous opportunities in a game where absorbing pressure and capitalizing on mistakes would eventually be the deciding factor.

Despite Columbus having more possession, shots and set piece opportunities, the Philadelphia Union’s chances on the attack were created through good build up play off turnovers and precise movement down the wings especially on the right side. The pairing of rookie sensations Fabian Herbers in the midfield and Keegan Rosenberry anchoring the back line helped the Union spread the field and eventually break through midway through the second half.

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The 60th minute saw Tranquillo Barnetta play a beautiful ball to Chris Pontius surging through the heart of the Columbus defense as he picked out the rookie Herbers on the right side and set him up for his second goal of the season after striking his own rebound in a falling effort that crept into the far post giving Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. The German attacker’s quick feet and solid pace made all the difference in his ability to put the shot on target and provide the Union with the breakthrough they so desperately needed in this critical conference match.

The drama picked up in the 73rd minute when a Columbus corner found its way to the feet of Adam Jahn who poked the ball on target and by the slimmest of margins trickled over the goal line to tie the game at 1-1. Despite protest from Philadelphia, with no goal-line technology in place from Major League Soccer, the side official was forced into a decision and ultimately made the call despite there being no clear shot of the entire ball crossing the plane of Andre Blake’s net.

Aug 24, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) celebrates with teammates Keegan Rosenberry (12) after defeating the Columbus Crew SC at Mapfre Stadium. Union won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

That did not stop the Union’s resolve and motivation going forward and not a minute later, Philadelphia showed their resiliency that has been evident all season. Off the restart, Roland Alberg broke down the wing using his crafty skill to find Barnetta waiting in the middle and picking out the pressing rookie right back Rosenberry in the box who with a little flair of his own blasted a shot out of the reach of goalkeeper Steve Clark and silenced the Columbus faithful instantaneously.

The viable Rookie of the Year candidate has shown his class all year long in the back but his tenacity and will to break through and give his team the edge was the deciding factor as Philadelphia held on to a 2-1 victory despite numerous chances coming at the end from the Crew. After the match, head coach Jim Curtin was quick to praise the efforts of his young and budding core of rookie talent.

"“We’re a club that trusts young players and believes in playing young players… If you had told me before the game that we would get goals from Herbers and Rosenberry, I probably would have told you you were a little crazy, but I’m happy for them.”"

Curtin, while aware that very few rookies are able to break into first team minutes across the league, knows he has a talented and motivated group from the 2016 SuperDraft, including his rising star Keegan Rosenberry.

"“I think Keegan is the best rookie in our league right now. I think he’s established himself as such… He’s going to have to score goals, because that’s what everyone loves to vote for, a goal-scorer. But he’s played every minute for us; he’s a warrior.”"

The victory puts the Philadelphia Union back in a tie for 3rd place with the New York Red Bulls and with a game less than three days away against Sporting KC, there is little time to dwell on this valiant effort from the boys in blue.

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But reflect on the notion that the Philadelphia Union have set themselves up for the foreseeable future with their three young rookie talents who together may see Philadelphia through to the eastern conference playoffs and a potential run at the ultimate goal, an MLS Cup.

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