Lofty expectations came with his draft position, and Steven Birnbaum has responded. Making 15 consecutive starts at center back might not have been the original plan when he was an injury replacement for his MLS debut in June, but the 23-year-old has hardly missed a beat since and has emerged as a key to one of the best defenses in Major League Soccer.
“To play the way he has as a center back is very rare in your rookie season,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “It is a position that takes most players two to three years to figure out, and it took him a few games to get it."
It could be because Birnbaum came into the league pro-ready. He was selected second overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft after five years at the University of California, where he redshirted his senior season due to injury. Birnbaum finished his final year with 10 goals and was named a first-team All-American before becoming the highest draft pick in school history, ahead of A.J. Soares, who was taken sixth overall by the New England Revolution in 2011.
“He was our man all along,” said United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “His intangibles are real. He's as mature a college kid as I've seen."
“He came into training camp with the right mentality,” Kasper said. “He was very eager to learn, and he was very modest and patient in waiting for his opportunity. He is a real pro at a young age, and he is a real team-first kind of guy.”
Having played every minute since he entered the starting lineup, Birnbaum was a seamless replacement for injured veteran Jeff Parke, helping United to the top of the Eastern Conference (14-9-5).
“He has stepped right into the fire and earned an ‘A’ for his play,” Kasper said.
Since Birnbaum’s debut in a scoreless draw with the Columbus Crew on June 7, the Black-and-Red have gone 8-5-2.
“I felt [Steven] Birnbaum was fantastic,” Olsen said after the rookie’s first game.
It’s also a fitting description for the rest of the stingy United defense, which includes Defender of the Year candidate Bobby Boswell, who was an All-Star alongside right back Sean Franklin, and a rotation of Taylor Kemp and Chris Korb at left back in front of Goalkeeper of the Year candidate Bill Hamid.
United has allowed 31 goals this season, 17 in the 15 games Birnbaum has played. United’s 1.11 goals against average is second only to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 1.07. Since the rookie’s debut, it’s just 1.13.
“Steven is a very intelligent defender who reads the game quickly and with precision,” Kasper said. “He puts himself in very good defensive positions, and is fearless in his challenges. His jumping ability and speed are excellent.”
Given his confidence, level of play and demeanor, what lies ahead for this emerging star, aside from a likely Rookie of the Year nomination?
“He is an MLS Best 11 defender in the making with potential to play on the US National Team,” said Kasper.
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