Photo: Earl Gardner

Editor’s note: At the end of the first two Philadelphia Union seasons, we posted a series of end of the season reviews of every Union player. Over the next several weeks, PSP continues with a review of the 2012 season.

Chase Harrison is the personification of a journeyman. In a pro career that has had more ups and downs than a Six Flags roller coaster, Harrison has bounced around the US Soccer Pyramid with 10 different professional teams. With the Union declining to exercise the option in his contract at the end of the 2011 Major League Soccer campaign, Harrison might have thought he was going to be on the move yet again. The phone rang a few weeks later and Harrison resigned with the Union. The 28-year-old will always remember 2012 as the year he finally realized his goal of playing first team soccer in the America’s top division.

High Point

With Zac MacMath suffering from concussion symptoms, Harrison made his MLS debut on May 19th on the road versus FC Dallas. He became the third former Harrisburg City Islander to suit up for the Union, joining Sheanon Williams and Morgan Langley as those who’ve made the jump from the USL-Pro side to PPL Park. Harrison was assertive in his penalty area and performed well against a Dallas side that employed a very physical brand of soccer. The Union back-up was battered throughout the match, smacking his head on the goal post in the first half, then rolling his left ankle in the second half. Chase soldiered on through the match and helped the Union earn a 1-1 draw.

Low Point

In the May 9th friendly with German Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04, Harrison conceded a penalty kick in a violent collision with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The Bundesliga’s Golden Boot winner left Philadelphia with a concussion courtesy of the big red headed native of West Virginia.

Strengths

As the Union’s number two goalkeeper, Harrison posted a 2-1-2 record in the MLS Reserve League. When asked what Harrison’s strengths were, Union Assistant Coach and Reserve Team Head Coach Brendan Burke said, “He is a very hardworking player with excellent shot stopping ability.” Add toughness to that list, as seen in that gritty performance in Dallas.

Weakness

Burke offered that Harrison, “could improve upon his communication and distribution.” With minutes at premium, Chase will need to make the most out of future reserve matches and friendlies to work on those areas in which he can improve.

Outlook

Chase Harrison is a guy the Union can afford to keep around for the 2013 season. He’s a humble and steady presence in the locker room and always gracious with the Union faithful. When asked what role Harrison might have with the 2013 Philadelphia Union, Burke stated, “I see Chase fighting for one of the spots in our goalkeeping core again next year.”

The journeyman may have finally found a home.

Stat chart legend:
POS: Position; GP: Games Played; GS: Games Started; MINS: Minutes; PA: Passes Attempted; PC: Passes Completed; P%: Passing Accuracy Percentage; SHTS: Shots Faced; SV: Saves; GA: Goals Allowed; GAA: Goals Allowed Average; PKG/A: Penalty Goals/Attempted; W; Wins; L: Losses; T: Ties; ShO: Shutouts; W%: Win Percentage; SV%: Save Percentage; FC: Fouls Committed; FS: Fouls Suffered; YC: Yellow Cards; RC: Red Cards