Philadelphia Union going “toe to toe” against best in MLS

The Union (4-3-2) proved that their fast start to the 2016 season wasn’t a fluke Wednesday night in a 2-2 tie against arguably the best team in the MLS, the L.A. Galaxy (5-1-4).

Although they rank only third in points (19) so far this season, the Galaxy are on another level offensively. They own a plus-12 goal differential on the season, double any other team in the MLS.

The Union remained unbeaten at home this season (3-0-2) and kept pace with the famed 2011 Union team with an identical record through the first nine matches of the season.

“We don’t believe in moral victories but at the same time we were playing toe-to-toe with the top team in the West, and former champions,” Union manager Jim Curtin said. “I’m proud of my team I thought they put a lot into the game continued to push. … A good learning experience, again disappointed we did not take all three points tonight but we are going to be tough to beat in this building and our guys have really laid that foundation.”

The Union are beginning to see the fruits of their 2016 MLS SuperDraft haul as rookie defender Keegan Rosenberry blasted his first MLS goal of his career to even the game at 2-2 in the second half. Rosenberry, who was once viewed as too high of a pick at No. 3, has silenced all of his critics with his outstanding play through the first nine matches.

Rookie Joshua Yaro has been equally as important defensively, giving the Union consistency on the back line for the first time in years.

“The fans can see [our progress], the rest of the league [will see it] when they watch that one back, and the coaches in the league will know that it is different since Earnie [Stewart] has been here,” Curtin said. “The players feel it, I feel it, I’ve learned a ton, they’re learning a ton, they’re growing; we’re all getting better, we’re all improving, and the environment is a good one. So, it’s positive right now.”

Up next, the Union go on the road to face the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Impact (4-3-3) and a chance to claim first place in the East. The game will air at 5 p.m. on The Comcast Network.