As the foundation of Philadelphia Union’s philosophy is the development of talent from the Union Academy to Union II and ultimately to the first team. That pathway was on full display Sunday night and into Monday morning as the Boys in Blue drew LAFC.
Head Coach Jim Curtin started the contest with three homegrowns in a rowdy atmosphere and the trio of Matt Real, Mark McKenzie and Brenden Aaronson showed not only their talent but ability to handle the moment ahead of them.
At halftime of the nationally broadcast contest the Union’s belief in young talent was taken notice by U.S. Soccer with McKenzie, Aaronson and goalkeeper Matt Freese being named to the final roster for the Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara.
The headlines weren’t complete as Aaronson showed his offseason growth with a goal from a tight angle to put the Union ahead by a 3-2 margin.
“Couldn’t be more proud of the players not only the work that they put in but the soccer that they played. It’s an exciting, young team and to look out onto the field with the veterans closing things out and to have four homegrown players out there on the field in this big of a game and this early in the season was something that we’re proud of as a club.”
The Boys in Blue are back at home on Saturday, March 14th for the home opener at Subaru Park against San Jose Earthquakes. Tickets are going fast so click below for your tickets today!
