UNION NEWCOMERS INCLUDES
GEORGETOWN’S DYNAMIC DEFENSIVE DUO
Joshua Yaro and Keegan Rosenberry are teammates
once again, but this time, it’s their full-time job. The
two former Hoyas made SuperDraft history in January
by being the first pair of college teammates to be
selected consecutively by the same team within the
first 10 picks. Now, this historical duo has more than
a full month of MLS experience under their belts, and
is using their familiarity with each other to navigate
through their new surroundings.
While playing soccer at a high level is something
both Yaro and Rosenberry are no strangers to,
adjusting to being a professional definitely has a
learning curve. During this time of change, the pair has
been able to turn to one another for guidance and
support.
“Talking to each other after each practice gives us a
chance to bounce ideas off of each other” Rosenberry
said of Yaro - “That is something that some other
guys don’t have.”
It’s not uncommon for teammate pairings to
transition from the college level
to the pros, but Yaro and
Rosenberry’s dynamic is special
because of where they play
on the field.
“Him playing right back
and me playing right center
back, we have a relationship
set up and we rely on each
other on the
field,” Yaro said. “I know where he’s going to be and
what he is going to do in situations and knowing that,
it helps me to make my next move -- and I think I can
say the same for him. Knowing my position helps him
play accordingly and that relationship is something
that’s unique and an advantage a lot of other right
backs and center backs don’t always have.”
Having Yaro and Rosenberry playing on the backline
together can be beneficial not only for the two
defenders, but for the Union as well. The nonverbal
communication Yaro and Rosenberry display is a true
testament to how well they know each other’s playing
styles. During drills, the two seem to communicate
effortlessly, a skill they attribute to their years at
Georgetown together. Having two skilled defenders
who have a history of working well together can
(hopefully) only mean good things for the Union’s
defense this year.
But off the field, they are having new experiences,
like rooming together during the team’s spring training
trips in Clearwater, Florida.
“This is the first time we actually roomed together
and we’ve been getting to know each other even
more so,” Rosenberry said. “Reporters do a good gob
capturing what kind of player he is but you don’t get
to see how good of a person he is off the field, and
know the kind of things he likes, he’s just a good kid
to be around.”
Creating a strong rapport between
teammates takes time, especially as rookies,
ILSINHO • KEEGAN ROSENBERRY • JOSH YARO • RO