The Brenden Aaronson hype train will have to rest, at least a short while.
The Philadelphia Union midfielder, 18, was substituted off in the 36th minute of his team’s Saturday night home matchup against the New England Revolution. A club spokesman confirmed it’s a left hip injury for Aaronson.
The Homegrown Player has been a revelation for the Eastern Conference leaders this season, starting in a variety of roles. Head coach Jim Curtin has deployed Aaronson as a No. 10 and wide in a diamond, with the youngster grabbing a goal in a 1-1 draw March 17 at Atlanta United FC.
With his early-season performance, Aaronson has made a push to make the U.S. squad for this summer's U-20 World Cup in Poland. His teammate, center back March McKenzie, is also in contention for Tab Ramos’ roster.
Aaronson signed with the Union in September 2018 and went on to play 18 games for their USL affiliate, the Bethlehem Steel, last year. Before turning pro, Aaronson had committed to the University of Indiana.
