Philadelphia Union: Keegan Rosenberry is an Ironman

Philadelphia Union rookie right back Keegan Rosenberry set a record for being the first rookie outfield player to play in 100 percent of the minutes for his team.

It has been quite the season for the Philadelphia Union rookie class with Fabian Herbers and Joshua Yaro playing large roles. But the crown jewel has been (almost homegrown) right back, Keegan Roseberry. The Ronks, PA native was drafted third overall for the Union. He then became the starter out of the gate and didn’t look back.

As the season wore on, Roseberry grew into the right back role while becoming an integral part of the Philadelphia Union starting XI. Along with playing shutdown defense, his crossing abilities and long throws into the box became important attacking outlets.

It was easy for him to integrate into the side once he was drafted by the Philadelphia Union due to his familiarity with the team and staff. This is because while he was attending Georgetown University, Rosenberry was also training with the Philadelphia Union while playing with Reading United due to the club’s partnership with the team.

Playing in every game didn’t come without risks, however.

There’s a reason why MLS outfield players don’t appear in each game for their respective teams. This is a league with a grueling schedule and more travel than almost any soccer league worldwide. Because of that, squad rotation is necessary so the fact that Rosenberry played so much may say something about squad depth and Jim Curtin’s rotation policy.

Ray Gaddis has been a serviceable right back during his career but this year he disappeared to the depths of the Philadelphia Union bench. The 27-year-old made seven appearances, all at left back including five starts. Most of these were due to cup matches and times when Fabinho was suspended due to yellow card accumulation. For a defender who has shown promise during his career, it raises questions as to why he didn’t see the field more.

May 28, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Ray Gaddis (28) controls the ball in the first half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick /

That brings us back to Jim Curtin’s rotation policy. During the season the Philadelphia Union had a very clear lineup and besides Yaro vs Tribbett and Carroll vs Creavalle, there weren’t many questions about who would be in the XI week in and week out. It clearly led to the team being spent by the end of the season.

For Rosenberry, one game that comes to mind is the matchup with the Portland Timbers. In that game, Rosenberry was beaten multiple times by Darren Mattocks who orchestrated both of Portland’s goals. It was clear that Rosenberry was spent in that game and honestly, he hasn’t been at full strength since.

But it doesn’t mean that it’s all bad.

Roseberry has had an exceptional season for the Philadelphia Union and if it wasn’t for Jordan Morris he would likely get the MLS Rookie of the Year award. During the season, he bagged three goals while collecting five assists. Not too shabby for a right back.

Next: Playoffs? Playoffs? Can the Union Win?

He looks like the real deal and with the uncertainty surrounding the defensive capabilities of Deandre Yedlin, it’s only a matter of time until Klinnsmann gives Roseberry a shot at the national level. The Philadelphia Union are lucky to have such a talented class of rookies and with the academy growing, it’s only a matter of time until more talented youngsters make the team.

Roseberry and the playoff berth that the team earned are only the beginning because the future is bright in Chester.

Home/Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union: Keegan Rosenberry, Ironman

By Chuck Booth | Oct 25, 2016

Philadelphia Union rookie right back Keegan Rosenberry set a record for being the first rookie outfield player to play in 100 percent of the minutes for his team.

Playing in every game didn’t come without risks, however.

But it doesn’t mean that it’s all bad.