Being a defender is a thankless job. They’re the last line of defense against skilled, flashy players, but the first to blame for anything that goes wrong. Every loss is their fault, every time a team wins all the praise is heaped on the midfielders and forwards. Fans are dazzled by the fancy footwork and amazing goal yet no one thinks of the lonely centre-back, constantly on guard against a sudden wave of attack. And in the Emerald City, a lone man orders his three other counterparts to deal with threats, protecting his goal from all enemies.
Chad Marshall was silently a stalwart in Columbus, winning a championship and MLS Defender of the Year in 2008, repeating in that award in 2009. If it was not for bouts of games missed due to concussions he could have easily won that award a few more times. Marshall also made a few appearances for the USMNT in the 2009 Gold Cup, but the concussions forced him to miss time to recover, reducing his chances to feature in the national team.
When he was traded to Seattle earlier this year once again reunited with Sigi Schmid and Brad Evans, he was under immense pressure. The Sounders had just finished a lackluster 2013 season by backing their way into the playoffs, letting in far too many goals and failing to produce anything on the offensive end. Moves needed to be made, especially on the back line. Marshall was the missing cog they needed in the defense, and he instantly showed why he was the man for the job. In the first 10 matches, he helped lead the Sounders to seven victories, including a goal against the Philadelphia Union and a man of the match performance; winning five aerial duels, blocking six shots and intercepting four through-balls. The Sounders had found their rock in the back, and if there’s one word that describes his play throughout the season, it’s consistency.
And now, with only the Galaxy standing between Seattle and their ultimate goal, a shot at the MLS Cup, it will come down to how well Chad Marshall can shut down Gyasi Zardes, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan. He won’t be alone in this battle, but he’ll easily be the keystone to the game. If he can communicate well with his defenders and midfielders, and if he can win any aerial ball that comes his way, Seattle can escape the Stubhub Center with a draw, or even a goal or two. Of course, the offense will need to produce to give the backline a breather every once in a while.
The rest of his teammates know how important Marshall is to what they are trying to do in the Pacific Northwest. Brad Evans thinks “In (his) mind, best defender in the league.” DeAndre Yedlin says he’s the best centerback he’s ever played with, and Sigi is still surprised he hasn’t been called into the National Team this year. Regardless, Marshall continues to do what he’s paid to do, control the defense and prevent teams from scoring. And over the last few weeks, the defense has ironed out the kinks and recorded two shutouts, and even in the 1-1 draw against FC Dallas, the goal came from a penalty kick, given by Marco Pappa.
The dust has settled, and the conference final matchups have been set. It’s the matchup everyone has been waiting for. And if the season has told us anything, it’s that Chad Marshall, the King of the North, is the most valuable player on the Seattle Sounders and will be the key to the team advancing to the MLS Cup for the first time in club history.
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