Philadelphia Union: Section 215 season preview

Larry Henry – Three Surprises in 2017

For the Philadelphia Union this season, a lot is expected out of this bunch to build off of last year’s appearance in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They need to be more consistent offensively, while also being solid in the back. Also, their chances to have a great season would also increase if they can avoid any losing streaks. With how tight the Eastern Conference playoff race has been in years past, they also need to end the season on a strong note. Earnie Stewart and Jim Curtin have brought in a lot of undervalued players in through transfers, while also drafting some underrated players in the MLS Draft. That being said, here are three surprises for the 2017 Philadelphia Union this season that I think should be successful players going forward.

Fabian Herbers – Winger/Forward

In his debut season with the Union last year, Herbers featured in 33 league matches netting three goals and adding six assists. At 23, he is in the early years of his MLS career and I feel could be an even bigger surprise for the Union this season. With C.J. Sapong’s inconsistency at times last season, Herbers could see his role increase immensely. He is a creative winger that could be forced into a #9 role if Sapong starts the season slow. Still, his favored position is out-wide and that is where I see the German doing a lot of his damage from. Also, with the loss of Tranquillo Barnetta, Herbers could see his role on free-kicks and spot-kicks increase as well. At Creighton, Herbers netted 28 goals in 62 career appearances, while also spending time with Eredivisie outfit FC Twente as a youth. Herbers has the talent and the skill to become a star for this team, and a lot will be expected of him after a solid first season in Chester in 2016.

Giliano Wijnaldum – Defender/LB

Joining the Union this past January, Wijnaldum has the potential to become a future star for the team. At 24, and playing for Dutch sides AZ Alkmaar and Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie in the past shows that Wijnaldum has had time in a solid European league. The brother of Liverpool midfielder Georginio, Giliano most-likely will rotate with Fabinho to start in 2017. Ray Gaddis also will see time at LB but could also rotate at RB if needed too. With the Brazilian sitting at 31 years old, Giliano definitely provides some youth to the defense that already sees All-Star right-back Keegan Rosenberry. He has good skill with the ball, and could provide a spark down the flanks on attack. Wijnaldum will have to adapt to the MLS game, but I could see him seeing a good amount of starts this season in MLS and Open Cup play. A couple seasons from now, we could look back on this acquisition and be amazed at the talent we received.

Fafa Picault – Forward/Striker

The 26-year-old striker was acquired in February after being with Bundesliga-2 side FC St. Pauli from 2015-2017. His best spell as a forward came with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the NASL, scoring 12 goals in 24 appearances. Again, Picault’s game time will depend on C.J. Sapong’s consistency at striker, but also Picault’s ability to score when called upon. Former U.S. National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann described Picault as a “hungry goal scorer” and praised his instincts and ability to ready the game, after the striker made a friendly appearance in May 2016. At 5’8, Picault will most-likely try to take on defenders himself while also trying to be a pest inside the box. I think Picault could be like Wijnaldum and be a clever signing by Philly if he makes the most of his opportunity. Overall, he adds depth to an important position for the club.