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Fabian Herbers was the third player taken by the Philadelphia Union in yesterday's SuperDraft, but he was the sixth player taken overall as the Union stockpiled early draft picks. He also has first hand knowledge of just how good the Union's first two draft picks will be. The second pick Josh Yaro and third pick Keegan Rosenberry were both defensive teammates at Georgetown and they played against Herber's Creighton squad twice last season. Georgetown won both of those games by a score of 2-1 and Rosenberry collected a couple of assists along the way.
"We played them twice this season. They were really good defenders. I had a really hard time with my teammates getting through them," said the two-time Big East Offensive Player of the Year Herbers. "Keegan likes to go up a little bit on the right side and gives dangerous crosses. And Joshua is a great defender for sure with his athleticism. They really made it difficult for me."
Herbers reunited with the duo, now Union trio, just a few days back.
"I already met them again at the Combine. I'm excited to get to know them even more. Its good to be one of the three guys."
Herbers grew up in Germany before coming to the United States to attend Creighton. He feels the mix of experience both in Europe and in the U.S. will serve him well.
"Overseas it's a more techinical and tactical environment. College soccer here is more athletic. Both environments help you grow as a player," Herbers said.
While Herbers has international experience he's not very familiar with the City of Brotherly Love.
"I've been to [Talen Energy Stadium] once," said Herbers. "We played a Big East Conference semifinal there in 2014. I really like the stadium it was just empty there [smiles]. I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere there when the stadium is packed."
The Union and their fans won't have to wait long to see their new trio in action. Preseason camp begins in a few weeks with the first friendly scheduled against Armada FC on February 6th in Jacksonville.