Ten Best: Metro defenders (update)
November 11, 2011
Since we first last at the ten best defenders in Metro history, an update has to be made. For descriptions of the initial top ten, see the original article and its update.
10) Mark Semioli, 1997-2001
9) Jan Gunnar Solli, 2011-
Forced to play right back because of roster composition, the nominal midfielder immediately became the best attacking defender in team history.
8) Daniel Hernandez, 2000-02
7) Steve Jolley, 2000-03, 2006
6) Rhett Harty, 1996-98
5) Tim Ream, 2010-
The unheralded rookie turned heads with a spectacular first season. A sophomore slump followed, but even that wasn't without some brilliant moments.
4) Carlos Mendes, 2005-
The team's current longest-tenured player has been through it all since arriving in 2005. He is currently third on the all-time games played list with 166, and has played every position along the backline.
3) Eddie Pope, 2003-04
2) Jeff Parke, 2004-08
We will forever lament the idiotic decision by Juan Carlos Osorio and Jeff Agoos to leave Parke unprotected in the 2008 Expansion Draft. An excellent defender during his five years here, he is now excelling elsewhere. Alas.
1) Mike Petke, 1998-2002, 2009-10
Petke's second spell cemented his spot at the top of the list, and he moved his all-time games played record to an unreachable-for-now 197.
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