Defender Finalists Named

Tyler66 · Oct 25, 2004

Leading the Defender of the Year candidates is Conrad, who was a huge part of the Wizards formidable back line. He appeared and started in all but one of Kansas City's 30 regular season matches, helping make the Wizards' defense one of the stingiest in the league. An MLS All-Star starter in his sixth year in MLS, Conrad was a consistent force in Kansas City's defense, using impeccable timing, smart positioning and good ball skills to quell many opposing attacks.

Veteran Robin Fraser captained Columbus to the best regular season record in MLS, capturing the Crew their first-ever Supporters' Shield in the process. The 37-year-old MLS original started and appeared in 28 games for Columbus. His leadership and organizational skills helped the Crew set an MLS-record unbeaten streak, as the club completed their final 18 games of the season without suffering a loss.

Eddie Pope, a constant fixture on the U.S. national team, is another MLS original still going strong. He wore the captain's armband for the MetroStars for the second consecutive season, aiding in their third-place finish in the Eastern Conference. He missed eight matches during the regular season due to injuries and national team call-ups, and his presence was greatly missed while away.
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In my opinion it's got to be Fraser, because he's captained the Crew the MLS's best record when they missed the playoffs when he in Colorado the season before. Also I think he's raised the game of Chad Marshall too.

mannellaice · Oct 26, 2004

Conrad. Hands down.

awparcell · Oct 26, 2004

Conrad, just because I haven't seen him screw up once since he has been playing for the wizards. Very solid and skilled going forward.