When a slow start to the 2007 campaign prompted D.C. United coach Tom Soehn to change his team's formation from their familiar 3-5-2 to a more traditional 4-4-2, the left side of the back line presented one of the most troublesome aspects of the switch. Short on left-sided defenders, Soehn converted Josh Gros -- his most versatile midfielder -- into a fullback, using Gros' athleticism to compensate for his unfamiliarity with the role and a left foot possessing of power but short on consistency.
But over the past month the spot that was once a headache for United has become a strong suit, thanks to the startling growth of Marc Burch. The University of Maryland product began playing the position less than a year ago, but has quickly adapted to the role and his calm decision-making, accurate crossing and aggressive runs down the touchline have made him a regular ever since he earned his first start against New York on July 22.
"He gives us the ability to stretch the field a little bit," said Soehn of his young defender. "His passing is what really kept him on the field. It really opens the game up for us. He is very composed on the ball and he can fight, so he's earning his keep right now."
Burch occupied the role of target forward in college, and even scored the championship-winning goal in the Terrapins' 2005 NCAA College Cup final victory against New Mexico. But he saw limited playing time as a rookie with Los Angeles and Columbus last year, and the Crew coaching staff, hoping to put his size, strength and accurate left foot to use, began to convert him into a defender. While some strikers might have been reluctant about such a proposition, Burch immediately embraced the move.
"I talked to my club coaches and my high school coaches about it," Burch said. "A lot of forwards in college and when you're younger don't stay forwards. It's a tough thing scoring goals, and I've never really been a big-time scorer. I like setting up people, and I can still do it from left back. I like being back there."
But the Crew's preseason roster moves pushed him down the depth chart and Burch, with his girlfriend and other ties still linking him to the D.C. area, requested a trade.
"Everything was fine in Columbus, but they were bringing in another player," he said, "and there was just one [senior] contract and they asked me to move down (to a developmental role). And I thought it'd be a good time to ask if I could go somewhere where I could get better and improve with the team."
Burch was confined to the United reserves as he learned his new role, but it quickly became clear that he possessed many of attributes found in quality flank defenders.
"He's the future of the American game," said center back Bobby Boswell. "He's a big kid, he's also strong and Benny [Olsen] always says he can hit a ball 60 yards on a rope. That will completely change the dynamic of a game, if you have defenders on the other team and far side guys having to worry that when the ball's on the left side, it could come flying over the top of them. So he tackles hard and he's got good vision."
When a spate of injuries finally pushed Burch into the first XI, those qualities immediately bolstered D.C.'s left flank. His left-footedness made him comfortable hitting crosses from wide positions and balanced well with left midfielder Fred's inclination to cut inside, while his one-on-one defending -- still a work in progress -- has been reliable. United's technical staff were quick to reward his performances, recently elevating him to a senior roster spot that represents a pat on the back as well as a pay raise.
"It means a lot," said Burch of the upgrade. "It just shows that the coaches have a lot of pride in me and they really think that I can contribute to the team. Hopefully it can only get better from here."
A subtler, but equally telling, affirmation of his worth: Burch's refined left foot has become a regular option on United's corner kicks and set pieces. Meanwhile, D.C.'s strikers have become increasingly adept at connecting with his deliveries from the left flank, which have created far more scoring opportunities than his two credited assists would indicate.
Burch and his fellow defenders were sorely disappointed to give up the two quirky goals that allowed Chivas USA to earn a 2-2 draw on Thursday night, but even still, they have allowed just three goals in their last seven league matches, helping United roll up a 6-1 record in that span.
"Hopefully we're not peaking yet, just because we have eight or nine games left," said Burch. "But hopefully we just keep getting better and better, and if we can keep getting shutouts and keep playing well as a team, I think the MLS Cup is in our future."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
