The San Jose Earthquakes back line and goalkeeper unit have received a good deal of praise for their on-field performance over the last year, and rightfully so. Finishing the 2015 season with just 39 goals allowed, tied for third fewest in the league, is a sign of the collective effort that the defense has given, which has carried into 2016 as well.
The success of center back-tandem Clarence Goodson and Victor Bernardez is well documented, as is David Bingham’s rapid rise from Quakes backup to U.S. National Team contributor.
However, perhaps the most unsung hero of the Earthquakes defensive unit is none other than right back Marvell Wynne.
Who led the Quakes field players in games played, starts and minutes last season? Marvell Wynne.
The Quakes allowed 50 goals in 2014, middle of the road by Major League Soccer standards. Wynne’s acquisition prior to the 2015 season played a large role in the Quakes defense tightening up and locking down on opponents. Obviously other factors played into that as well, including a full season of a healthy and effective Goodson and Bingham’s emergence, but Wynne’s contributions can’t be overlooked.
“I’m definitely a defender for a reason. I’m not big into the spotlight and all that,” said Wynne. “I like being the one that you go out, you play, you might not get all the cheers, but when you get back inside, your teammates and coaches appreciate what you do out there.”
Wynne is among the fastest defenders in the league and his durability cannot be questioned, having made at last 27 starts in each of the past six seasons. He has an MLS Cup (2010 – Colorado) and international pedigree (U.S.) and has proven to be the ultimate team player.
In addition, Wynne plays the game the right way. He committed only 22 fouls over the duration of the entire 2015 season and was cautioned just once. He was the only player in the league to log more than 2,500 minutes and receive one or fewer yellow cards, landing him a spot as a finalist for the MLS Fair Play Award.
If the Quakes defense continues on the path they started down last year, Wynne will surely be a big reason why. But don’t expect to hear it from him.
“If we have a shutout and one person gets singled out because they have a great game, that’s awesome, but we all know that we did it together.”
