CHESTER, Pa. — When the season began, Marcus Epps was fifth on the Union’s winger depth chart with no clear path forward.



David Accam, the high-priced offseason import, was well in front of him, along with fellow speedster Fafa Picault. The crafty Brazilian Ilsinho was brought back to offer depth on the outside. So was promising 24-year-old Fabian Herbers.



Only then came Epps, a second-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft who had a modest two goals and an assist as a rookie last year. He could have easily been a roster casualty in the offseason, as many players drafted outside of the first round have been in the past. Best-case scenario? Maybe he would play a few games off the bench while developing most of the year with Union affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC.



But as Accam struggled to adapt to his new surroundings while others, whether due to injury, suspension or ineffectiveness, failed to solidify the wings, a door became slightly ajar for Epps...