On Jan. 30, 2005, the Chicago Fire traded away its all-time leading scorer Ante Razov for then-Columbus Crew defender Tony Sanneh in a deal that many thought could benefit both rebuilding organizations. At that time the Crew lacked a scoring punch that hadn't been seen since the Brian McBride/Jeff Cunningham days and the Fire needed to bolster a back line reliant on MLS-newcomers Samuel Caballero, Ivan Guerrero, Jack Stewart and Gonzalo Segares.
Neither team would get much of a return on their investment in 2005, as Razov clashed with his new team and was traded once again while Sanneh played only 10 games in a year plagued with injuries, but it seems both players have found a new zest for the game in 2006. Although Razov has produced 14 goals and 8 assists for new club Chivas USA, it can be said that Sanneh, now healthy, has produced just as admirably as a steadying presence, anchoring a Chicago backline that's arguably the deepest in MLS.
"That was my goal from the beginning," said Sanneh. "I knew that when I was healthy and could give them the consistency everyday, the coaches could count on me. They have put me in a position where I have more leadership abilities to do that."
Still, some debated whether Sanneh would ever be worth trading away the All-Star striker. Talk of the well-traveled veteran coasting through his last playing days began to surface, critics claimed the end of his career was near, while others wondered why one of the highest-paid players on the squad had done so little.
Sanneh remained diligent to prove them wrong.
"I know that I was training full-time, 100 percent for at least a month before I started. A lot has happened in the past with previous injuries and building a team. It was difficult not to play and I know people had question marks. But I've never questioned myself and I know the leaders of this locker room never have and have always pushed me."
Nothing says "I told you so" than starting and going the full 90 in 13 of the last 14 games for the Fire, and the "Big Cat" has helped the team claim five shutouts in that time while also allowing just 1.07 goals a game for the opposition - a number inflated by the squad's 4-1 loss to Columbus in its home finale.
Fire rookie defender Dasan Robinson, who admits he may have rushed things in the back at the beginning of the season, credits Sanneh for improving the team's defensive approach to the game.
"Mainly, things are a lot calmer. He's brought a sense of overall composure to the game, and he keeps things simple," said Robinson. "I think the team may have been sporadic at times throughout the season, but he's definitely brought a sense of calmness. He directs me a lot on where I need to step and if I should double-team. It makes my job a lot easier."
Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan was well-aware of what qualities Sanneh could bring to the table, having seen him for years both with his former MLS club team D.C. United and with the U.S. Men's National Team.
It was with the National Team that the 35-year old defender is probably best known in U.S. soccer circles, especially for his magnificent play in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he was one of only three members of the Red, White, and Blue to log every minute in the tournament.
"He's obviously got a lot of experience to draw from and he's a guy comfortable playing out of the back with the ball, and that's an important asset for defenders," said Sarachan. "The experience, the technical ability to play out of pressure, and the organization has been key for us."
Sanneh showed Fire fans his ability and skill out of the back on Sept. 27 versus the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, when he collected a long-range pass comfortably after streaking down the left sideline. With nowhere to go but goal, Sanneh slipped in a picture-perfect pass between the Galaxy goalkeeper and last defender to assist onrushing midfielder Thiago on the finishing goal in a 3-1 win to claim the club's fourth Open Cup championship.
"When I was in Germany, we weren't a great team when I was at [FC] Nürnberg, and it was expected for me to step in the midfield," said Sanneh. "When there's pressure, you being able to step into space creates an extra free guy. Whether you're doing it with or without a ball, you're creating options. It's just a matter of being confident and comfortable. I just have to be smart to do it at times when I know we have cover.
"A lot of times in this country we're afraid to go forward because we think 'What if we lose the ball? We're not going to have anyone back.' Well, how about we change the mindset and say, 'Our guy is forward, so let's not lose the ball.' The problem isn't the guy going forward, the problem is losing the ball. So lets play a little smarter and simpler and use our advantages."
When he's not getting up in the attack, you can hear Sanneh communicating with his fellow defenders to ensure the line keeps its shape. At the same time he is talking with the midfielders, letting them know where they should step or where to close a lane.
"Whether it's training or in games, he's a guy that likes to organize in front of him. He does talk a lot to players in front of him and keeps them on their toes," said Sarachan. "He's assumed a leadership role now."
As the Fire rolls into New England on Saturday with a one-goal advantage heading into Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series, never has it been more important for the Fire to keep its defensive composure. Now more than ever the Fire needs a defensive effort that would make fans forgot about a side that registered only four shutouts in its first 20 games of the 2006 season. The difference between then and now, it can be argued, is Sanneh.
"Tony's a very proud guy and probably felt he had more to give to our team, given his injury situation over the last year and a half," said Sarachan. "I think he's really enjoying himself right now. He feels as though he's now making up for lost time and wants to help us achieve the next goal of lifting MLS Cup."
Robinson feels the same way.
"He's been there, he's won championships before. So the idea is to follow him, follow his lead and follow the other veterans' lead and we'll take home that title."
