Extended season preview, part one: Defense

By: travis | March 20th, 2008

I’ve written a quite lengthy preview already for the MLS/Offside main page, but I thought I’d explore the Wizards outlook player by player for 2008. Using a variety of websites, I’ve done my best to give a short background of each player and where they will play, and give a prediction how they’ll do. With some players as rookies, it’s hard to figure how much they’ll play or if they’ll play at all. Depending on how the season unfolds, things will obviously change and players will move around.

Also, there are a few players on trial who won’t be counted. I’m going off mostly the roster I see on the KC official website, throwing in draft picks. If any readers have knowledge of someone who I missed or who I’m incorrectly including, please chime in. I also realize that the positions may not be exact, however I have done extensive research and hope to have it close.

Part One: Defense
I figured I would start looking at each player starting at the back and move forward.

Goalies

Kevin Hartman: Slotted in the number one spot. An eleven year veteran, he started all 34 games of last season. His position is secure on the team, and he is a solid option in goal. The only concern about him is his age as he is currently 34. But that shouldn’t affect him this season, as he has worked hard this past offseason and has lost a lot of weight.

Eric Kronberg: Backup keeper. Spent 2006 on loan to Miami FC. Received playing time in the preseason and has the backup goalkeeping position locked up. It would be good to give him some first team time this season, possibly in the US Open Cup, to gain valuable experience if he’s to be the keeper of the future.

Andrew Kartunen: Selected in the 2008 Supplement Draft out of Stanford. Should get a good look in developmental games, perhaps going out on loan. Unsure of his exact status, as he isn’t listed on the roster.
ED Note: According to a source, he’s staying in school right now and isn’t with the team.

Boris Pardo: A goalie who has seen a bit of playing time in the preseason; he was a “pool player” last season. Like Kartunen, not sure of his status.

Defense

Jimmy Conrad: One of the most well-known players on the squad. Strong central defender who played in 25 games last season. He’s team captain again this season and the younger players will look to him for leadership. Will anchor the middle for the duration of the season and is a vital component to the play of the Defense. Has 24 caps for the USMNT. Expect another strong season from the player who is almost as well known for his brilliant writing and outgoing demeanor with the media.

Jack Jewsbury: Listed at a Defender on the Wizards sight, but spent some time last season as a Defensive Midfielder. Started 27 games last season. Spent time playing holding midfield and right midfield during the preseason as well as a defender.

Chance Myers: Rookie out of UCLA. First pick in the 2008 MLS Draft. The team thinks highly of him, as they traded away defender Nick Garcia for the number one pick overall. Will either play a wingback type role or on the wing as a midfielder. Played both right and left midfield during the preseason. Could see more of an attacking role. I expect Chance to crack the starting lineup at some point during the season.

Aaron Hohlbein: Defender/Midfielder in his second year our of University of Wisconsin. In competition as a potential starter on defense.

Tyson Wahl: Another defender contending for a starting spot. Appeared in only 6 games last season and should be seen more and more in ‘08.

Jon Leathers: Draft pick out of Furman. Provides depth on the backline and will most likely get a lot of time with the reserves. Wouldn’t be surprised if he made some appearances in a cup match either.

Yomby Williams: Another rookie draft pick. Big, strong defender out of Old Dominion that will provide backup for Jimmy. Comes all the way from Cameroon and is excited to be playing for the Wizards. Expect to see him playing more developmental games.

Rauwshan McKenzie: The Wizards fourth round pick out of Michigan St. Another backup who can play central defense. The front office thinks that he’s the steal of the draft; we’ll see how that pans out.

Matt Marquess: Third round pick out of Santa Clara. Injured during the preseason and currently isn’t practicing.

Bottom Line: The defense is going to be a big question mark for the Wizards this season. Hartman is experienced and claims to be in some of the best shape of his life, but the defense has received an overhaul during the offseason. Jimmy should be the usual rock that he is, but depending on how the outside backs play will play a huge role in determining the success the Wizards have this season. There are a lot of young players in defense, so if some of the veteran players go down, the rookies may play a bigger role than the think right now.