The season is nearly here, so let's dive into some big issues. Today -- three players who are ready to take the next step in 2020.
Anthony Fontana
The highly-rated homegrown has been on the fringes for the past two seasons, but his game has developed to the point where Jim Curtin feels comfortable putting him in multiple positions.
Fontana debuted at the No. 10 back in 2018, but his natural role is more of a box-to-box player. Curtin loves his ability to finish around the box, and has pushed Fontana to make quicker decisions in the center of the park to complete his game. In his USL appearances last season, Fontana looked like he was turning a corner defensively as well, reading the game quicker, closing the ball down at better angles and understanding his spacing across the midfield.
With Alejandro Bedoya, Jamiro Monteiro, and Brenden Aaronson all returning, Fontana will find it difficult to break into the opening day lineup. But Philly's preferred 4-4-2 system likely fits the local product better than it fits last season's top substitute, Ilsinho. Can Fontana be the 12th man and more in 2020?
Matt Real
With Kai Wagner injured in preseason, Matt Real will be the starting left back to start the 2020 season. The homegrown has played in MLS before, and he showed what an offensive threat he can be. However, Real also looked like he needed to improve his defensive positioning, and last season Curtin saw massive improvements from the young fullback.
Real has also spent time as the captain of the US U20 team during Concacaf qualifying, and he has showed versatility by moving both into the center and to a wingback role.
The Union believe Real is ready to be a starter, and now he'll have his chance.
Sergio Santos
Last year's big attacking signing struggled with injuries throughout the season. But once he found his legs, a pair of late-season performances opened eyes to his true potential.
First, Santos put in a relentless shift against Pumas in an exhibition match. He followed that up with a hugely important starring role in the Union's first-ever playoff win. That game took his legs away from him for the next round against Atlanta, so now Philly wants to see a healthy Santos become a 90 minute player as he begins to form a partnership with Kacper Przybylko.
Three days left until these three players make their mark on the 2020 Union season!
