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Philadelphia Union: Keegan Rosenberry Ranked 6th on MLS’ 24 Under 24

By Chuck Booth

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) battles Philadelphia Union defender Keegan Rosenberry (12) for the ball during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando City FC midfielder Kaka (10) battles Philadelphia Union defender Keegan Rosenberry (12) for the ball during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the latest installment of MLS’s annual 24 under 24 series the Philadelphia Union are finally getting some love.

After having no players on this list that recognizes some of the best young talent within MLS the Philadelphia Union had two players considered for the list this season. They were the team’s rookie contingent from Georgetown University, Keegan Rosenberry and Joshua Yaro. While Yaro didn’t make the final cut, Keegs checked in at number six right ahead of Wil Trapp of the Colombus Crew.

One notable exclusion from the shortlist was Fabian Herbers. The striker / winger has taken advantage of the time that Ilsinho has missed with a foot injury to lock down a role on the right wing in Jim Curtin’s side. Herbers has made 28 appearances for the squad split between striker, central attacking midfield, and the right wing.

In that time, Herbers has racked up two goals and five assists. One thing that may have hurt him in the eyes of voters from MLS is that Herbers is 23 because he completed all four years at Crieghton University. Most of the 23-year-olds on the list, like Juan Agudelo already have multiple seasons of professional soccer under their belt while Herbers is completing his first with the Philadelphia Union.

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I was surprised to see Yaro included on the shortlist due to his up and down season for the Philadelphia Union but with him being 22 he’ll have another shot to make the list next year. The Union had no one on the list last season and Rosenberry is the highest ranking garnered by a club member since Jack McInerney nabbed a fourth place rank in 2014.

The Philadelphia Union have been lagging on this list because MLS heavily skews their rankings towards homegrowns and young international imports which are two areas what the Philadelphia Union have been lacking in. But with the homegrown signings of Derrick Jones and Auston Trusty they should expect to see more members on this list as the team rises to relevance.

Below is what mlssoccer.com has to say about Rosenberry making the list:

“The biggest thing for him that I was impressed with was his calm demeanor and maturity. He struck me as a really mature individual and someone who could contribute in his first year. Late in the year, when most rookies hit the wall, he continues to improve. His ability to get an accurate early cross off is impressive, and his decision-making on when to go forward and not to is beyond his years.”

“He’s been fearless, hasn’t backed down at all. I’m really impressed with him tactically, how he’s adjusted to playing in MLS, and overall, with Philadelphia having such a young back line, and him standing out as a leader and really leading the line. Really good feet, good decision maker and unbelievable 1-v-1 defending. I didn’t expect him to be this good. Honestly, the sky’s the limit.”

“We saw a lot of him [in college] and every year he was good and got better and steadier and steadier. Philadelphia obviously felt he was worthy going really high in the draft, and he’s been great. He’s been really consistent on both sides of the ball, good at attacking set pieces, good fitness levels, good one-on-one defending. He’s been left on an island at times and done really well against some good players. I look at our national team and now you’re playing Geoff Cameron at right back. Yeah, I think [DeAndre] Yedlin is the heir apparent right now, but we need to continue to build depth with that and I’d be surprised if [Rosenberry] doesn’t fit his way into a January camp and go from there.”

Next: Time to Move on from CJ Sapong?

Making the MLS 24 under 24 list is another tally in what is becoming a long list of plaudits that Rosenberry has been receiving this year. Hopefully, he’ll be able to cap it off with a rookie of the year award and at least one playoff series win.

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