Philadelphia Union: Top 5 Moments From 2016

After a successful 2016, the Philadelphia Union have plenty to be optimistic about heading into 2017. Here’s a look at five (plus some honorable mentions) of the top moments from the last year.

1) Earnie Stewart’s Stabilization of the Philadelphia Union Front Office

After being brought in October 2015, Earnie Stewart had a tall task on his hands. The Philadelphia Union had the reputation around the league as an organization not willing to “splash the cash”, but Stewart quickly changed that perception. After capturing a staple in the USMNT system in Alejandro Bedoya, Stewart showed the league that the Union could compete financially with the heavyweights.

Stewart also found the perfect balance of spending more money but also focusing on youth. The homegrown contracts of Derrick Jones and Aaron Trusty are the best examples of that. Both regular members of the U.S. U-20 setup, Stewart was sure to lock them down to deals before the SuperDraft loomed. The continued commitment to youth along with still investing in the current team has made the Union front office much more formidable than past years.

2) The Success of the SuperDraft

To have three players immediately contribute to the first team from the SuperDraft is not common in MLS. After the Zach Pfeffer and Maidana/Wenger deals, the Union had three of the top six picks in the draft. The product of more brilliant business by Earnie, the Union acquired Keegan Rosenberry, Josh Yaro, and Fabian Herbers in that mix. All three players made an impact on the first team.

With a combined 83 league appearances combined from the three, these guys will be the core of the squad going forward. Good defensive players don’t grow on trees in MLS, and the Union will be thankful to have the Georgetown University duo for as long as time allows. With Herbers, a versatile Wing/Forward is an asset to any squad, especially when you consider the Union’s scoring struggles down the stretch last season.

3) Andre Blake Winning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

While this may wind up being partially negative due to increased European interest, Andre Blake was fantastic this year. With 99 saves and 6 clean sheets in 32 starts this year, Blake cemented himself as one of the top goalkeepers in MLS.

With the ever-changing back line in front of him, Blake’s play bailed the Union out of many games. While it may initially seem unlikely the Union can keep him this off-season, it would be just another impressive feat for Earnie Stewart if he is to accomplish this.

4) Alejandro Bedoya Joining the Union

After watching teams around the league add star DP’s, Earnie Stewart knew the Union needed one of their own to truly compete with the big boys in the East. While Bedoya isn’t being paid like a Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, or Clint Dempsey, he’s still easily the highest earner on the Union now. With an average annual salary of $1 million, Bedoya can be considered a steal for a DP.

The central midfielder, capable of playing in the hole or sitting back, will be essential to the Union in 2017. If no flashy attacking signings are made, Bedoya will likely start the season in the Number 10 role. Bedoya has one of the highest soccer IQ’s you’ll see, and that combined with his excellent passing ability will surely make everyone around him better in his first full season with the club in 2017.

5) Making the 2016 MLS Playoffs

Although the beginning of the season showed way more promise than the end, the overall body of work was a success for the Union. Breaking a five-year postseason drought will always make supporters happy, but the in the Spring/early Summer the ceiling looked much higher for this team. With their last win coming in the 2-0 home win against SKC, to say they slid into the playoffs would be an understatement.

When considering where this team was expected to finish in the preseason, playoff qualification was impressive. With a successful offseason, there is no reason this team shouldn’t be able to compete with the class of the Eastern Conference next season.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Winning 3-0, 4-0 games against rival New England Revolution.
The emergence of Warren Creavalle, and his locking down of a starting spot for next season.
Chris Pontius winning MLS Comeback Player of the Year in his first season with the club.

Next: Philadelphia Union: Charlie Davies Will be Back

All in all, very few people will argue the Union had a successful 2016. The injection of youth, a stable front office, and veterans hitting the groove at the right times proved a great combination. Going into 2017, the Union are only a few additions away from being real competitors for something special in MLS.

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