Even in soccer, a player's longevity can be measured by statistical milestones. And so it could be this weekend when the Kansas City Wizards take on the Columbus Crew, as two of their longest-serving veterans reach a pair of landmarks.
With just one second on the field, defender Nick Garcia will set a new mark for games played in a Kansas City uniform at 219, eclipsing current Chivas USA head coach and former Wizards midfielder Preki.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, in his first season with Kansas City after being traded in the offseason from the LA Galaxy, where he had spent 10 years, will reach the 1,000-save plateau with nine more saves. That's a figure bested only by Scott Garlick, who played with five teams over his 10-year MLS career, and Tony Meola who played with both K.C. and New York.
To Garcia, one of the keys to longevity and the subsequent achieving of landmarks in a MLS player's career is good fortune.
"If you look at all three of us, we all had a good start," he said, including Zavagnin. "Both Kerry and I came here in 2000, myself as a rookie. [For us] coming into an organization that needed defensive midfield help and some guys playing in the back, timing was everything. Had I come in a year or two before [and had to play] behind [former Wizards center backs] Alexi [Lalas], behind Uche [Okafor], and Sean Bowers, [I might not have made it]. Things happen for a reason, and I've been fortunate."
Beyond just a good start, a professional player needs some other factor that not only pushes him to the top, but keeps him there.
"The best quality both of those guys have is that they are excellent competitors," said Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo. "When you have that competitive drive, you find a way day-in and day-out to prove to the coaches that you deserve to be on the field."
"I go to practice every day wanting and needing to win everything I do. Whether it's a silly juggling game with the rookies or if it's us playing a small-sided or full-sided game, it's about winning," Garcia said. "We are a results-oriented business, and I like to challenge myself and get better. With any veteran player ... it's all about consistency. If you are not consistently playing well, you're going to be shipped out and moved around."
For goalkeeper Hartman, consistency certainly is key, but a primetime shot stopper is what he aims most to be.
"I really believe the goalkeepers who have the most success are those who find themselves peaking at the right times of the year and really allowing their team to rally behind them," he said. "I really want to make sure that once the playoffs start that that's when I'm playing my best soccer."
Performing in the crunch is something Hartman and Garcia have done repeatedly in their careers, and they are fully aware that stretch drive will be a time to prove their worth and assure the continuance of their stellar careers. But they would be remiss if they didn't step back to reflect and appreciate what they have been able to do.
"I feel privileged that I've had the opportunity to play as long as I have, and I look forward to successes to come," said Hartman. "It's pretty funny that I know the two guys who are ahead of me. I'm just trying to catch [them] and really continue to push myself."
"[My career has been] filled with a lot of good memories," Garcia said. "I've grown to love Kansas City and appreciate Kansas City and what it's all about. ... I envision myself, hopefully, being here for the rest of my career."
Garcia's wish is accented by his high level of involvement in the K.C. community that includes talking to kids on the behalf of the Midwest Dairy Council, making appearances to support the Maddie Rhodes Art Center, and being an active spokesperson for abused children and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
"It's fitting for people who are in high-profile public positions to help out and give back," Garcia said. "I do it because I want to do it, not because I need to. I get a certain sense of satisfaction knowing that I can touch different people in different ways."
Garcia, who married Kansas City native Melinda in the offseason, hopes to extend his contract before it runs out at the end of the 2008 season.
"I look forward to us working it out before the fact," he said. "I love Kansas City, especially with our new ownership group. Things are heading in the right direction, and I definitely want to be a part of everything that's going to happen here."
If the past is any indication, Garcia and Hartman will long be standards that the young and coming up can look up to as they dream of their own careers.
bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
