Marvell Wynne, Colorado Rapids
An inconsistent performer who never quite lived up to expectations in Toronto, Wynne was dealt to the Rapids at the start of the season for midfielder Nick LaBrocca. His arrival was vital to helping the Rapids defense put together a strong first half of the season that has now put Colorado in position to qualify for the playoffs.
A right back by trade, Wynne has helped Colorado in central defense as well, using his incredible athleticism to make a smooth transition to the middle. The former No. 1 draft pick and U.S. national team prospect will be crucial to Colorado’s first playoff appearance in three seasons.
Chris Albright, New York Red Bulls
Acquired from New England in a draft day trade last January, Albright came to New York as an injured player with an uncertain future, having been sidelined for more than a year with various injuries. It was a classic gamble deal, one that has paid off handsomely for the Red Bulls.
Albright has turned a problem position into a stable one at right back for New York, which had experimented with out-of-position players at right back ever since getting rid of Chris Leitch in 2008. Albright has been a steady and reliable presence on the right, defending cleanly and providing an effective threat going forward. While he is overshadowed by all the other big-name additions on the team, Albright has quietly been one of the team’s most important additions.
Jon Busch, San Jose Earthquakes
Much like Hartman, Busch was unceremoniously dumped by his former club, the Chicago Fire, but landed in San Jose, where he figured to back-up long-time standout Joe Cannon. Busch had other plans, eventually winning the job from Cannon and helping the Earthquakes stay in the playoff race.
He briefly lost his job back to Cannon, but when Cannon went down with a serious injury, Busch went right back into the lineup and re-asserted his position as one of the league’s better goalkeepers. Busch didn’t fare too well against his former club in Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Chicago, but he could have the last laugh if he helps San Jose hold on to its playoff spot while the Fire misses the post-season for the first time since 2004.
Ives Galarcep is a senior writer for FoxSoccer.com covering Major League Soccer and the U.S. national team.
