When Sounders FC acquired MLS veteran Chad Marshall via trade from Columbus in December of 2013, many observers around Major League Soccer wondered if Seattle had secured its long-desired lynchpin in central defense. One year later, that question has been answered firmly.
Claiming his third MLS Defender of the Year Award in 2014 – the most in MLS history – Marshall proved to be an invaluable part of Seattle’s backline throughout the season, anchoring the club’s defense as Sounders FC went on to capture its first Supporters’ Shield and a fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title. Marshall hasn’t looked back since arriving in the Emerald City, and his ascendancy was a crucial piece of Seattle’s on-field success in 2014.
Seattle boss Sigi Schmid had a deep understanding of Marshall’s talents from their time together in Columbus, with the California native leading Schmid’s Crew to the MLS Cup title and the Supporters’ Shield in 2008. Schmid attempted to bring Marshall to Seattle previously, but his attempts were rebuffed by Columbus’ incumbent leadership. However, a changing of the guard in Central Ohio provided an opportunity for the Rave Green to get their man.
“We could never get him out of Columbus,” Schmid told local media in October. “[Former Columbus Crew President] Mark McCullers was always very insistent that he was the face of the franchise and wanted to keep him there in Columbus. When [Columbus Head Coach] Gregg Berhalter came in that changed a little bit; we thought there was an opportunity.”
The numbers support Schmid’s belief in Marshall’s ability. Leading the league with 136 interceptions and recording an impressive 126 headers won, Marshall also had 206 clearances and an 83% passing accuracy in 2014. The 11-year MLS veteran also recorded one goal — an 84th-minute winner against Philadelphia on May 3 — and matched a career high with three assists.
Having already won an MLS Cup, four Supporters’ Shields, an Open Cup title and three Defender of the Year Awards, Marshall is among the most decorated defenders in league history. Yet Sounders FC and Seattle’s vibrant soccer community seem to have helped him find another gear, and at 30 years old, Marshall is determined to build upon his success.
“I feel privileged to be a Sounder and I can’t thank my teammates, coaches, organization and fans enough,” said Marshall last month. “It’s a special situation playing here, and I’m fortunate to be a part of it and hope to help the club achieve more success in the future."
