The right back was selected as the third overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, and has not looked back since.
It’s been quite a 12 months for Keegan Rosenberry.
The 23-year old has played every minute of every game for Union and scored two goals since he was brought into the side last year. He was also part of the 2016 MLS All-Star team that lost 2-1 to Arsenal last summer and named runner up in the 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year award.
“Things happen quickly in this game,” Union manager Jim Curtin said to Philly.com earlier this year.
“They happen to people who earn it and Keegan earned it from day one.
“He came in with a great mentality. He’s a winner, and he projects a lot of things we want a Philadelphia Union player to be.”
Adept at one-on-one defending and reading the play, Rosenberry is growing into one of MLS’ most versatile defenders. However, his introduction to Major League Soccer wasn’t a nice one.
The young defender made his debut for the club in Philadelphia’s 2-0 defeat to Dallas on opening weekend in 2016. Where some young players crumble in that situation, Rosenberry began to flourish.
Coincidentally, the team’s results improved just as the right back’s performances did, which resulted in Philadelphia reaching the end of season Play-Offs for just the second time in their history.
They may have lost 3-1 to Toronto in the knockout round, but it has given this Philadelphia team a platform to build on for this year and beyond.
“In the first half of last season, we were near the top of the Eastern Conference and we played well at home,” Rosenberry said in an interview with Philly.com.
“That does a lot for the fans and the expectations for the team and the city.
“We felt that we got better every home game and it was really exciting for us. The challenge this year is to continue to build on that and then be more consistent throughout the year.”
Rosenberry’s performances for the Union were rewarded in January, when the 23-year old was called up to the national side for the first time by USA coach Bruce Arena.
“I think this past year has been one of the most exciting years of my life,” said the 23-year old.
“I think it’s probably the best year that I’ve had to date.
“I’m just extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given. I’m thankful for the Philadelphia Union for giving me the opportunity to progress as a player.
“There have been other rookies who’ve come into the league with just as much talent or just as much work ethic as I have, but they don’t get a chance to play the same amount of game time that I do.”
The Union have began 2017 with two draws, and travel to Orlando City tomorrow hoping to finally get that elusive first win under their belts.
Hopefully it will also give Rosenberry another chance to impress on the national stage as he continues to grow into one of the MLS’ most valuable young players.
Liam Richner 