For FC Dallas, who on Saturday night clinched the regular season MLS Western Conference title with a 2-1 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy, one of the main reasons for their success has been a back four that has remained intact for most of the 2006 season.
The Hoops have allowed the third-fewest goals in the league, conceding 39 in the 31 games played thus far. The entire unit has been solid, but if a defensive MVP for FCD would have to be selected, that player would have to be left back Chris Gbandi.
"I think he (Gbandi) has done great and has had a good year," said FC Dallas head coach Colin Clarke. "He's looking strong. It's been a case of him being healthy for a long time, being fit and not having those little injuries he's had in the past. Chris has been very consistent this year and has done very well."
The University of Connecticut product, who was the first overall pick in the 2002 SuperDraft, is in his fourth season with the Hoops and this has clearly been his finest campaign. For Gbandi, his outstanding season began before the first game was even played.
"I felt real comfortable out there this year for whatever reason," he said. "I spent a lot of time in the offseason working out. That was the first offseason where I didn't have any injuries and was able to work out full-time. When I came out here this year, I felt like I had my legs and a lot of confidence. The team has done very well and I'm part of that. I think I've been consistent for the most part and that's helped a lot."
Gbandi has been rock-solid on the left side of the defense this year. He has also been able to get forward on the attack with two assists. But he admits he would still like to find the back of the net before the regular season ends, which he last did on July 2, 2005 when he scored the last goal by an FC Dallas player at the Cotton Bowl.
"I think I'm putting so much pressure on myself (to score)," Gbandi said. "It seems like everybody on the team has scored so far. I just don't know what's going on. I used to finish easily and now I'm struggling. I think I'm pushing it a little bit. I want one to go in."
One thing that has also helped Gbandi has been playing alongside veteran center back Greg Vanney, who is in his eighth MLS season.
"I think Greg and I have played together a lot," Gbandi said. "We're comfortable back there because we know what each other is going to do. That makes our job a lot easier since we're able to communicate."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
