Union's Bird shared Morgan Brian's big World Cup moment

Through a season of injuries, Union rookie Eric Bird hasn't gotten on the field for a Major League Soccer game. But he said he was grateful that the team allowed him to leave for a few days to attend the Women's World Cup final in Vancouver.

Bird, 22, had a special rooting interest. He is dating midfielder Morgan Brian, who at 22 was the youngest member of the World Cup team. The two met while both were attending Virginia and have been dating nearly two years.

"It was an extremely proud moment of mine going there," Bird said after the Union's practice Tuesday at PPL Park.

Brian was placed in the starting lineup in the quarterfinal, a 1-0 win over China. She replaced Lauren Holiday, who was out because of yellow card accumulation.

Brian never left the field from that point, playing all 90 minutes in the 2-0 semifinal win over Germany and the 5-2 championship game victory over Japan.

"She has a big character and she is a person who rises to the occasion and thrives in that type of environment and has been playing soccer her whole life," said Bird, who is sidelined with a knee injury. He has competed for the Union's USL affiliate, Harrisburg.

Forward Fernando Aristeguieta, whose loan was ready to expire, was signed to a new six-month loan that will cover the rest of the season.