The Chicago Fire was concerned that defender Bakary Soumare would be unable to make the transition from the college game to Major League Soccer, writes Nick Firchau, but those doubts were banished long before Soumare, 23, was nominated for this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
“‘We always had the idea that he would be the center back of this team for years to come,” said Fire Coach Denis Hamlett. “But he’s been surprising. He’s played so many games and learned so fast on the job — he’s an integral part of this team.” Although Samare lost out on the award to Columbus Crew defender Chad Marshall, he was happy enough with the nomination.
“It’s good to be having a good season, and I can look back at the end of the year and say I played well,” said Soumare, about to complete his second MLS season. “But our defense isn’t about me or even about the back four guys. This team defends well, from Brian McBride to Chris Rolfe to everyone in the back.” Although Soumare led the league yellow-card list with 10 cautions, his fellow defender Gonzalo Segares said, “Baky’s comfortable now, and he’s got a lot of confidence. That’s the difference this year.”