Leon Flach was the most pleasant surprise of the 2021 MLS season. The former St. Pauli midfielder excelled in his debut season and quickly became a fixture in Jim Curtin’s lineup, appearing in all 43 games while starting each one but three. Flach was named the Philadelphia Union’s Newcomer of the Year and was included in MLS’ Top 22 Players Under 22 last season.
But instead of reveling in his success, Flach wants more in 2022, especially with the way last season ended in the 2-1 loss to New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final, a different experience after spending his youth career in the traditional soccer format where champions are crowned after the regular season.