Herbers filling in nicely for Union
Replacing perhaps the team's most valuable player is a lot to ask of a rookie. But when Union forward Fabian Herbers' number was called, he stepped up in place of C.J. Sapong, who injured his ankle June 1 and has not played since.
Replacing perhaps the team's most valuable player is a lot to ask of a rookie.
But when Union forward Fabian Herbers' number was called, he stepped up in place of C.J. Sapong, who injured his ankle June 1 and has not played since.
"I knew it was a good ankle sprain, and I was mentally prepared already for my first start," Herbers said. "I was excited, and the coaches talked to me and said, 'Just do your thing.' "
Were there any nerves as a 22-year-old taking on that responsibility?
"I was nervous when I made my debut," Herbers said, "but right now I feel comfortable."
In the Union's 4-3 victory over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night, that ease showed. Herbers assisted Roland Alberg on a goal in the first half. It was an assist that Herbers said he did not even know he had.
"Oh, yeah, all right," he said after being reminded of his shot on goal that was saved by the goalkeeper and then knocked in by Alberger late in the first half.
"I wish I had scored that right away," Herbers said. "I put it on target, but the keeper had a good save."
Herbers made his first start at Yankee Stadium on Saturday when the Union lost to the New York City FC, 3-2.
Smaller than Sapong, Herbers cannot match his predecessor in physicality, but he has showcased mobility near the goal.
"I would say I try to hold up the ball when I'm up front, but I try to make the runs into space as well," Herbers said. "I could also play wide or whatever. I feel comfortable wherever the coaches put me."
Following a successful college career at Creighton University, Herbers, a native of Germany, was selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. He started off with the Bethlehem Steel in that team's season opener before joining the Union.
Herbers made his presence known even in the Union games he didn't start, with a couple key goals and assists. He has embraced a larger role and said he plans to take full advantage of it as long as the coaches need him.
"I want the coaches to have trust in me," Herbers said. "I'm happy to start obviously, and I'll do everything for the team to get results."
@ErinMcPSU