FCD's
Gbandi, Rhine aiding attack
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By Steve Hunt / MLSnet.com Staff
FRISCO, Texas -- Before they ever donned hoops for FC Dallas,
defenders Chris Gbandi and Bobby Rhine played at the University of
Connecticut and were teammates in 1998, when Rhine was the leading
scorer for the Huskies while Gbandi won newcomer of the year honors.
But recently, the two have been joined by another similarity -- both
getting more involved in the FCD attack from their fullback
positions in Colin Clarke's back four.
Against New England on May 20 at Pizza Hut Park, Gbandi made his
first start at left back since April 23 against Kansas City. He
quickly made his presence known, when in the fourth minute he sent a
cross into the Revolution's penalty area, which was met by Kenny
Cooper for FCD's first of four goals on the evening.
A defender first, Gbandi admits that he also loves being on the
attack.
"(Clarke) just wants us to pick our spots," he said. "We've been
fortunate to play teams with three in the back and with that,
there's a lot of open space on the wings for us to attack. Me and
Bobby (Rhine) love to attack. When the opportunity presents itself,
we love to get forward and try to make stuff happen."
Rhine also made his return to the starting 11, coming in at right
back against the Revs after sitting out a week following his
ejection on May 10 against Los Angeles. Being on the attack is
nothing new for the MLS veteran, who spent his first six seasons at
forward with solid results (21 goals, 31 assists) before switching
to the back four in 2005.
Like Gbandi, Rhine also has assisted on a game-winning goal so far
this year. His helper in the season opener against Chicago, which
was headed into the net by Cooper for his first MLS goal, was the
difference maker in FCD's 3-2 victory against the Fire.
He knows that his and Gbandi's involvement in the attack is a direct
result of how well the Hoops are playing.
"I think it's been possible for us since we've been playing against
teams with three in the back. At the same time, if we can get a good
series of possessions going, we can usually find one of us involved
in the attack," Rhine said. "That's when it comes to us picking our
spots. Anytime we can get a good series of possession, that's good
for the team. It's also good for involving more players in the
attack."
Clarke also was quick to commend his two defenders.
"I think we were good (in the last two games), we had the ball,
could move it and keep it," he said. "When you play a team that
plays 3-5-2 and your wide midfielders go high like Ronnie (O'Brien)
did against New England and defenders follow him, it leaves space
for people to come back and become your outlets. The last two games,
it's worked out that way and they have done well."
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