What Will the Union Roster Look Like?
So the MLS season starts April 3 and the clubs report for preseason training on February 22. However, the Union have not brought in any notable players during the offseason. That doesn’t mean the team has been quiet over the offseason though.
This offseason the Union lost 2 key players from their Supporters Shield winning squad. Defender Mark McKenzie, who is now at K.R.C Genk, and Midfielder Brenden Aaronson, now at RB Salzburg. The two transfer fees were for approximately a combined $12 million dollars. However, we did not see the club make any moves of bringing in new players with that extra money, at least not yet.
Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said it himself back in January that the Union would bring in a left-footed center back that will add to the quality of the team. However, as of right now, that deal and that player have yet to be signed. Of course, the losses of McKenzie and Aaronson are going to hurt, but the Union are not doomed. Jack Elliott and Jacob Glesnes are two great defenders who should hold the backline for the Union down fine with McKenzie gone. The same can be said with Aaronson. Yes, he will be missed, but Anthony Fontana showed last season he is ready to fill that spot in the starting 11.
The tricky part left behind by their departures is the team’s depth. Take a look at the Union’s 2021 schedule, and you will see depth will play a huge part in their quest to add to their trophy case this year. While the Union added some Academy players, such as Paxten Aaronson, no move was made to bring in established players to fill voids in the depth. Anthony Fontana starting is a great thing, however, who fills his role from last year as an integral 60th-minute substitute?
Fans are right to question the team’s depth as of right now. However, Jim Curtin and Ernst Tanner have earned the trust that they will put the best possible team on the field. Moves could soon be announced or the club is happy with the roster and academy they have at the moment. Only time will tell.
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Categorized:Union