CHESTER, Pa.The Philadelphia Union did a lot of things to put themselves in the position they are today: one win away from clinching the franchises first playoff berth.
To find one major one, all you have to do is look back to a January afternoon in Baltimore, when the Union, with their first two selections in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, picked a couple of players out of the ACC.
Nine months later, those two playersgoalie Zac MacMath (University of Maryland) and midfielder Michael Farfan (University of North Carolina)have proved absolutely vital, especially during the Unions recent seven-game unbeaten streak that has launched the club into first place in the Eastern Conference with just two regular-season contests remaining.
Is it special for the two rookies to be emerging in the pro ranks at the same time, the perfect time?
It is, especially because Mike and I played against each other in college a few times, said MacMath as his club prepared for Saturdays game against Toronto FC at PPL Park (4 p.m., Comcast SportsNet). I didnt really know Mike before coming here but obviously hes had an incredible year and has scored some amazing goals and has been a really big help to the team.
Definitely, Farfan said, when asked the same question. Zacs a great guy. We played against each other a few times coming from the same league. It was cool to get to know him once he got here and both of us are doing well now.
MacMath and Farfan both were among the best college players in the country before coming to Philly, but it still took timeand a little luckfor them to begin earning consistent playing time for the Union.
MacMath backed up 40-year-old Faryd Mondragn, the Unions captain and lone all-star selection, for the first 25 games of the season but was thrust into the starting role when Mondragn broke his finger on Sept 3. Since then, all the rookie has done is go unbeaten in seven starts, including three shutouts.
Farfan, who had been shuffled in out of the rotation for much of the season, has been just as valuable during the same stretch. Since coming on as a halftime sub on Sept. 7 against the New England Revolutionand helping the Union to a stirring three-goal comeback in that contestFarfan has become a regular in the midfield, starting the last six games and showing off his complete arsenal of stylish dribbling moves, pinpoint passes and long-range shots.
During the stretch, neither rookie has looked overwhelmed at all. If anything, its been the opposing players who have looked overwhelmed trying to deal with them.
For any rookie, it takes a little bit of time to get adjusted to the physicality and speed of play and what not, MacMath said. But I think Michael and the rest of the rookie class have really worked hard. The team really helped all of the rookies get used to things, and I think everyone is doing well.
I definitely think it takes a little time, Farfan added. Some catch on faster than others. Youve got to get used to some of the things that arent there in the college ranks. Everything is a lot faster.
While it appears the Union struck gold with their most recent draft class, what some people may forget is that there were a few questions about the selections at the time.
Some people wondered why take a goalkeeper with the No. 5 overall pick when hed likely end up being a backup for at least two seasons. And Farfan, despite being a two-time All-American, was coming off a very poor combinethe main reason why he slipped into the second round.
But the Union coaches focused on the future when picking MacMath, believing in their hearts that he was the best answer to their long-term goalkeeping needs. And they were more than happy to scoop up a creative player like Farfan when he was available in the second round. Nowak said later he thought that, in some capacity, Michael was forgotten.
All in all, the Union certainly seemed to enjoy one of the best drafts, even if their third-round pickLevi Houapeuhas battled injuries has yet to log a minute this season. Throw in fellow rookie Gabriel FarfanMichaels twin who was signed in the preseason, in part because his brother was already hereand the talented second-year players picked in the 2010 SuperDraft (strikers Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney, and midfielder Amobi Okugo), and it becomes clear: the Union certainly know what buttons to press on draft day.
And its one reason why the Union are poised to make the playoffs in just their second year of existence.
Its exciting to have a young team, Michael Farfan said. Hopefully we can carry that on for years to come.
Dave Zeitlin covers the Union for MLSsoccer.com and writes a weekly Union column for CSNPhilly.com. You can e-mail him at djzeitlin@gmail.com.