Rosenberry learns lessons in first MLS game

Union defender Keegan Rosenberry couldn't have had a much more difficult introduction to his Major League Soccer career. Selected No. 3 overall in the MLS SuperDraft out of Georgetown, Rosenberry earned the start at right back and played the entire 90 minutes Sunday in a 2-0 loss at FC Dallas.

The 22-year-old rookie had to attempt to keep Fabian Castillo in check, an ambitious task against one of the fastest and most dangerous offensive players in the league.

Castillo scored the first goal and applied plenty of heat on the Union, taking five shots, three on goal.

"I wasn't completely blind going into it," Rosenberry said. "I know completely well he had some pace, but you can't exactly prepare for that other than trying to do your best keeping him outside and wait for help and things like that."

Even with help, Rosenberry said that keeping Castillo in check was a difficult chore.

"Obviously, I had my hands full to say the least, and hopefully that was the hardest I will have," he said.

Rosenberry played ahead of Ray Gaddis, who started 109 games over the previous four seasons. Gaddis missed about 10 days of preseason with a knee injury, and coach Jim Curtin suggested that the time away set him back.

"Keegan had a lot of positives," Curtin said. "He had about as difficult a task as you could have for a rookie. He didn't play like a rookie, I don't think."

Curtin addressed what Rosenberry needs to clean up from his debut.

"A couple of turnovers for him, but for the most part [he was] pretty good with the ball," Curtin said. "I think he is wise beyond his years. He wins things in the air and makes smart decisions."