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Sure they didn't bring in Brandon Vincent. A shock to everyone in the room at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft was when the Union, with picks two, three, and six, didn't come away with the standout left back from Standford University. With a roster half-filled and two picks within the first six selections, the Philadelphia Union made it three picks in the top six after a trade with the Colorado Rapids.
Even with the move to reach up and grab Keegan Rosenberry with the third overall pick, the haul is still pretty impressive. With Chicago not taking Joshua Yaro with the first overall selection, as was expected, the Union drafted Yaro at number two and arguably have the best player to come out of this draft class. With Rosenberry selected at three, the Union focused on the offensive side of the ball and took Creighton midfielder Fabian Herbers.
Herbers numbers in college this season were fantastic. In 23 games for Creighton, Herbers notched 15 goals and added 17 assists and the awards followed suit. The MAC Herman Trophy finalist comes to the Union with a real opportunity to get minutes with a first team severely lacking depth. Yaro and Rosenberry will have the similar shot and even though Rosenberry has the most fight for a position with the first team, he will certainly see minutes as a squad rotation player giving breaks to Ray Gaddis.
In the second round the Union continued to go defensive by drafting left back Taylor Washington out of George Mason. Even for a second round draftee, its not far out of the realm of possibilities that Washington comes to Philadelphia and fights for a roster spot. Left backs are a rare commodity in MLS and without defensive depth on the left side, seeing Washington getting first team minutes wouldn't be surprising.
With four additions to the Philadelphia Union roster, the hope is now that things begin to come together for a team where the news on player acquisitions have been sparse. Much needed depth defensively is a huge get for the Union, including a player who is projected to be a stud in the center of defense. Along with a player prolific in college for being involved in goals, whats to hate about that?
The belle of the ball isn't in a blue and gold kit in 2016, but three highly rated players are and that in itself is great news for the Philadelphia Union