FRISCO, Texas -- For FC Dallas, who on Saturday night clinched the
regular season MLS Western Conference title with a 2-1 win against
the Los Angeles Galaxy, one of the main reasons for their success
has been a back four that has remained intact for most of the 2006
season.
The Hoops have allowed the third-fewest goals in the league,
conceding 39 in the 31 games played thus far. The entire unit has
been solid, but if a defensive MVP for FCD would have to be
selected, that player would have to be left back Chris Gbandi.
"I think he (Gbandi) has done great and has had a good year,"
said FC Dallas head coach Colin Clarke. "He's looking strong. It's
been a case of him being healthy for a long time, being fit and not
having those little injuries he's had in the past. Chris has been
very consistent this year and has done very well."
The University of Connecticut product, who was the first overall
pick in the 2002 SuperDraft, is in his fourth season with the Hoops
and this has clearly been his finest campaign. For Gbandi, his
outstanding season began before the first game was even played.
"I felt real comfortable out there this year for whatever
reason," he said. "I spent a lot of time in the offseason working
out. That was the first offseason where I didn't have any injuries
and was able to work out full-time. When I came out here this year,
I felt like I had my legs and a lot of confidence. The team has done
very well and I'm part of that. I think I've been consistent for the
most part and that's helped a lot."
Gbandi has been rock-solid on the left side of the defense this
year. He has also been able to get forward on the attack with two
assists. But he admits he would still like to find the back of the
net before the regular season ends, which he last did on July 2,
2005 when he scored the last goal by an FC Dallas player at the
Cotton Bowl.
"I think I'm putting so much pressure on myself (to score),"
Gbandi said. "It seems like everybody on the team has scored so far.
I just don't know what's going on. I used to finish easily and now
I'm struggling. I think I'm pushing it a little bit. I want one to
go in."
One thing that has also helped Gbandi has been playing alongside
veteran center back Greg Vanney, who is in his eighth MLS season.
"I think Greg and I have played together a lot," Gbandi said.
"We're comfortable back there because we know what each other is
going to do. That makes our job a lot easier since we're able to
communicate."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story
was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
