I spoke with Philadelphia Union center back Ken Tribbet this week. We discussed life as a defender in the MLS and transitioning from Drexel to the big leagues.
Acrobatic clearance from Tribbet (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Thomas)
Ken has played center back in 5 of the Union’s 6 league games thus far, with the only absence being in the Seattle game which he missed through injury. While Ken has been fantastic in the back this year for Philadelphia, he has had to make some adjustments since graduating from Drexel in 2014. While at Drexel Ken was actually a midfielder. He has shown elements of his time in college while on the ball for the Union. The Drexel man is extremely confident with his feet, and isn’t afraid to carry the ball upfield to create a passing opportunity. “I’ve always been comfortable with the ball so going forward is very natural for me”, he explained “in college I was a midfielder, and at that position you have to be technically sound.” He has even entertained the idea of making a switch to defensive midfield at some point in his professional career. ” I think it is an eventual possibility,” he said with a smile, ” I am still learning and adapting to MLS. Center back is where I think I will be for a while, but eventually I could see myself as a midfielder.” Ken has made great strides since becoming a starter for the Union. He believes maturity is what has gotten him to his dream. “I have gotten bigger, faster and stronger, these have helped me change positions and adapt, but I would say maturing is where I improved the most.” He was shown time and again discipline and patience in the back. By playing against such players as Kaka, Fabian Castillo, and Kei Kamara he has shown tremendous defensive ability in his first season. “It’s a dream come true”, he said, “for me those are the guys I idolized growing up, and to compete with them toe to toe is great.” He then began to play down the challenge of defending against them. “It’s really nothing special, I’ve been doing it my whole life. Once I’m on the field I forget names and just go out and play. We always have a scouting report, whether its Kaka or anyone. We know the tendencies they have so when we get to the game we just have to make sure we remember what we learned and step up and play.”
On Saturday the Union play host to NYCFC and super stars Frank Lampard and David Villa. But Tribbet isn’t too worried, “we will have to be strong defensively because they have a lot of firepower and have scored a lot of goals this year. But we know that if we do our job and stay compact then we will have a good chance against them.”
Kaka about to drag the ball (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Thomas)
Ken has come a long way since graduating from Drexel. Since then he has played for Harrisburg City Islanders and Union sister club Bethlehem Steel FC. He has a lot in front of him still, however. Ken has set goals for himself and the team, “I want to keep a spot in the lineup, and consistently play well,” he explained, “but together we want to make the playoffs and win the title.” That is a high aspiration for a team that finished 9th in the Eastern Conference last year. But the Union have shown that this is a realistic goal for 2016. Philadelphia sits tied in 2nd place with Orlando city just 3 points behind Montreal in the early goings of the season. As the year progresses we should see a more confident Union and a more confident Tribbet.
Ken, originally from Colorado, has made a big impact for the Union since arriving. He still has some adjusting to do when it comes to Philadelphia culture however, as he doesn’t have a favorite cheesesteak yet. “I’ve heard Pat’s is the go-to place, so I’ll have to check it out,” he replied when asked about Philadelphia’s most famous delicacy. It seems that he still has some roots left in Colorado. “I’m looking forward to the game at Colorado against the Rapids. I have family there and I’m excited to play against Tim Howard and Jermaine Jones.” But Tribbet has made it known he likes it here in Philly and the fans that come with it. “Come out and support us. I’ve loved the support so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing the fans out there this weekend and in games to come.”
