In his first four seasons in MLS, David Wagenfuhr has been a rock-solid and dependable left-sided player for FC Dallas, mainly in the back. With the beginning of preseason training just a week away, Wagenfuhr is looking forward to seeing how the changed FCD defense will take shape -- and earning his place there.
The biggest move in the offseason by the Hoops was the recent signing of Mexican center back Daulio Davino, a former captain for Club America, and like many of his teammates Wagenfuhr is thrilled about the prospects.
"I think it's a great thing for the team," Wagenfuhr said. "With the experience that he has and the leadership qualities that he has with him being captain there for a long time, that's a big club and shows a lot of leadership. That will be good for the team, especially him being here the whole preseason and giving us time to get to know him and growing as a team with him."
In addition, center back Clarence Goodson was left unprotected and he was taken by San Jose in the expansion draft. Goodson was the last player remaining on the Hoops roster from the 2004 draft class other than Wagenfuhr, a fourth-round pick (31st overall) in the 2004 MLS Super Draft.
"That's a funny thing," he said. "The guys who were drafted with me were Clarence (Goodson) and Ramon (Nunez) and now, they're both gone. I'm the only one left from that year. It's cool to watch guys come and go and to follow their careers wherever they go after they leave."
The 2007 season was a tough one for Wagenfuhr. After starting the first two games at left back, he suffered a concussion during an April 15 match against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium, his second concussion in less than a year. That kept him out of training until early May.
Wagenfuhr returned to start the June 3 match at Houston and played in 11 of FCD's final 20 matches of the regular season. In 2006, he played in 13 matches, five starts and also netted his first MLS goal. He admits his career so far has been up-and-down.
"It's been kind of a roller coaster, but this year I want to become more of a leader both on and off the field," he said. "It's interesting to be one of the guys who have been here a little longer who has a little more experience. I think it's going to be a good year."
He and a number of his teammates have spent much of the offseason working out at a facility run by Olympic gold medal-winning track star and native Texan Michael Johnson.
"I've been working out on my own but we have a deal with the Michael Johnson Performance Center," Wagenfuhr said. "That's five minutes from my house, so I've been going there. It's a good place and we are starting to get some touches on the ball by playing some small games."
Like the rest of his teammates, Wagenfuhr is ready for preseason but this February will have extra meaning as he and his wife are expecting their first child in about five weeks.
"I'm ready (to get started with practice again)," he said. "It (the offseason) is a great time to rest but I'm getting a little antsy and am ready to start playing again."
With 19-year-old Blake Wagner the heir apparent and likely starter at left back, Wagenfuhr likely begins the preseason second on the team's depth chart for the position, though he can also play wide in the midfield. Last year's starter for much of the year, Chris Gbandi, did not have his option for '08 picked up by FCD, making his status uncertain.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
