When Devon McTavish joined D.C. United as a fourth-round supplemental draft pick in 2005, his main priority was merely securing a roster spot, with his 265 minutes of senior team action an added bonus. A year later, he elbowed his way into extended playing time in central defense despite the presence of two recognized veterans -- only to be displaced by two experienced international signings in the offseason.
But at the outset of his third professional season, he's still found his way into the first XI -- and after notching three well-taken goals in United's 6-1 CONCACAF Champions' Cup quarterfinal victory on aggregate against Jamaica's Harbour View FC, he can also lay claim to the honor of team leading scorer.
Even at this early stage, that's a jaw-dropping mark given the West Virginia University graduate's workmanlike role on a squad glittering with Latin American attacking talent, and his teammates aren't letting him forget it.
"Yeah, Jaime [Moreno] said he's worried about losing his job to me," related a grinning McTavish after Tuesday's 5-0 win at RFK Stadium. He knows he'll need to net about 110 more goals to catch up with the United goalscoring legend, though. "I don't think that's going to happen any time soon."
To this point in his career, he's manned every position on the field except goalkeeper and striker -- though D.C. boss Tom Soehn on Tuesday joked that he might have earned an opportunity up top, too -- and has rarely looked out of his depth.
But that sort of versatility often hampers a player's prospects of claiming one spot as his own. Late last year McTavish admitted that he'd become most comfortable at the center back position, only to see the club sign Gonzalo Peralta and Gonzalo Martinez to fill out the core of the back line in the offseason.
Yet the United coaching staff assured him he would play a role in the team's busy season, and he remains one of Soehn's most trusted options. When Ben Olsen's ankle troubles left a gap on the right side of the United midfield, McTavish worked his way to the top of a talented list of candidates including Santino Quaranta and Quavas Kirk.
Soehn noted that McTavish reported to preseason training in good shape and has performed consistently since then.
"We've moved him around a little bit, but in the end you want to get your best XI out there and he's been part of the best XI," said Soehn. "We committed to that about three weeks ago, and he's been doing well there."
In the past, McTavish often entered the D.C. midfield as a second-half substitute tasked with a defensive brief, but replacing Olsen has necessitated a more adventurous attacking mentality. The fact that his three goals have arrived at the end of aggressive runs into the opposing penalty area suggests that he's sinking his teeth into the new role.
"Tommy talked to me a bit about trying to replace Ben. Obviously I can't do that, but I try to do as best I can out there," said McTavish. "Naturally I tend to be more defensive, and I've been trying to get a little more offensive mentality, trying to get in the box and mix it up whenever I can."
Last year Olsen racked up seven goals and seven assists in his return to the right wing position. While few would expect such numbers out of McTavish this season, his Champions' Cup success hints at the abundance of chances the multifaceted United attack looks capable of creating in the months ahead. With defenders forced to pay constant attention to Moreno, 2007 league scoring champ Luciano Emilio, Fred's creativity on the left side and designated player Marcelo Gallardo pulling the strings from the top of midfield, well-timed runs and calm finishing on the right wing will be rewarded.
"We've worked hard to make sure he doesn't think as a defender, because in our system that guy's got to get up in the attack," said Soehn of McTavish. "He's done a pretty good job of understanding his role now."
That role is likely to change at least once as D.C.'s busy schedule unfolds. Olsen hopes to get back in the field within a month, and as injuries and suspensions take their toll, McTavish can expect to be used in defense, where he likely remains one of Soehn's top reserve options.
Echoing the attitude of the team's previous "handyman," Josh Gros, McTavish's only preference is to stay off the bench.
"Growing up, I've kind of always been a utility player," said the Winchester, Va. native, who grew up a United fan. "It's frustrating at times, because you'd like to lock in one spot instead of filling someone else's role. But at the end of the day, if you're on the field, you're happy. You're going to give it all that you can to try to stay on the field."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
