TODD DUNIVANT: Ex-Quake finds postseason joy with L.A.
In his rookie year, defender Todd Dunivant played a key role for the 2003 champion San Jose Earthquakes in the regular season but watched their postseason wins from the bench. This time, the 24-year-old Colorado product has been an integral part of MLS Cup-bound Los Angeles' playoff run.
By Ridge Mahoney
As the other ex-Earthquake getting ready to play for the Galaxy in MLS Cup 2005 against New England, defender Todd Dunivant doesn't draw nearly as much attention on and off the field as teammate Landon Donovan.
That suits Dunivant just fine. He knows his role is to lock down the left flank and defend staunchly. It's unglamorous, unappreciated work that is absolutely essential and one of the primary reasons the Galaxy has erased a .500 season by rolling through three playoff games.
"For us it's about scoring one goal, it doesn't matter how it happens, and not letting them score," says Donovan. "That's why we're here. It's not because we've been scoring goals, it's because everyone here has taken it upon themselves to defend better."
The Galaxy back line and midfield has been revamped and juggled numerous times this season. Defenders Tyrone Marshall (Jamaica), Chris Albright (USA), and Michael Umana (Costa Rica) have been called away by their national teams. Rookie Ugo Ihemelu has had more ups than downs while enduring the typical first-year rigors, and Pablo Chinchilla has been drafted when Umana has been unavailable.
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