A lot has changed in the 221 days since Brenden Aaronson stepped onto the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of 42,000 people to make his MLS debut.
The Philadelphia Union, who at the time were winless after losing two straight to open the season, have completed the best season in team history, finished third place in the Eastern Conference and won a playoff game, all with Aaronson playing a major role in the midfield. He’s also earned a call-up to the U.S. men’s national team and just this week celebrated his 19th birthday.
“It’s definitely a lot less nerve-wracking I guess you could say because we’ve already been there, done that and we’ve played this team twice,” Aaronson said earlier this week about returning to Atlanta.