Four years ago, Philadelphia Union picked a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew SC. Below is the original match recap as it appeared on PhiladelphiaUnion.com
The Union finished off their six-game in 22 day stretch tonight with a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew SC. The win secured the top of the table slot for Philadelphia with 23 points as they head into the Copa America Centenario break.
Philadelphia has continued to show off their amazing display of young talent. This season the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft Keegan Rosenberry has become a household name across MLS, playing in every minute this season. The No. 2 overall pick Josh Yaro produced quality matches, making his first start in Seattle. Union head coach Jim Curtin praised the growth of his young players.
“They are the three that are getting the minutes we’ve played them, the rookies the most in the league by a healthy amount,” Curtin said. “We trust young players, I think that you guys know that. We don’t care if they are young or old, it doesn’t make a difference.”
Tonight was the coming out party for Fabian Herbers. The No. 6 overall pick recorded his first MLS goal, in what ended up being the game-winning goal. The German received an excellent pass from Ilsinho and took care of the rest. Herbers sent Michael Parkhurst backwards with some fancy footwork and teed the ball up with his right foot.
The shot was magnificent, finding the top portion of the net, leaving Columbus keeper Steve Clark no chance.
“I got a great pass from Ilsinho. It was on a counter attack and he put me through very well, and I cut it with my left so the defender was gone,” Herbers said. “I could have played Ilsinho back or Quillo (Tranquillo Barnetta) as well but I’m a striker and I just go for it.”
The goal from a promising rookie is just one more testament of how the season has gone for Philadelphia thus far. The rookies continue to perform at a high level, and the veterans continue to lead by example.
Rosenberry was thrilled for his fellow rookie teammate and roommate for finding the back of the net. In Rosenberry’s eyes it was only a matter of time for Herbers.
“I think you all have seen that he has been close a couple of times now,” Rosenberry said. “It was a pretty world class finish and I think he showed good composure.”
The club has done what Curtin has asked them to do in the preseason. Not only does the team have the best record in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve also taken care of business at home. Philadelphia has accumulated more points at home with 17, than anyone else in the conference.
“You can still learn from even the wins and the success so we will look at the tape and we will evaluate the rest of the performances,” Curtin said. “The guys have earned that, I am happy with them and again this is the start of something I think special.”
