Battle shaping up in K.C. back line
Hohlbein, Wahl compete to fill in for Wolrd Cup veteran Conrad
In the ninth minute of Saturday's battle with the Columbus Crew, Conrad went up for, and won, a high ball. But just after he made contact with the ball, Crew forward Ricardo Virtuoso contacted Conrad's jaw with his shoulder. As Virtuoso received a yellow card, Conrad lay prone on the field. He finished the match, but X-rays afterward revealed a fracture, the second in two seasons for the Wizards captain.
"Jimmy's our leader. He's a great role model for everyone, so he's a big-time player not to have with us. But with injuries come opportunities for other players," said second-year back Tyson Wahl, one of the two candidates to step into Conrad's spot next to Nick Garcia in central defense.
The other prospect is rookie Aaron Hohlbein, who played center back next to Conrad in Kansas City's season-opening win at D.C. United, as a replacement for the then-suspended Garcia.
"I learned a lot. It took me a little while to get going and get into the game," said Hohlbein. "It's played at a different speed and a higher level than even the trainings we have."
The training ground is where the battle between the two hopefuls will be for one to grab the chance to show his wares on the field this Saturday at home against FC Dallas. Each has an impressive resume, and each holds some advantage over the other.
Hohlbein, a unanimous 2006 All-Big Ten first team selection in his senior year at Wisconsin, could be called the incumbent because of his experience against D.C. But Wahl, an All-American at the University of California and a member of the U.S. team at the FIFA Under-17 World Championship was the top choice last season. He played in 10 games, starting six, as the top choice to fill in for Conrad when away at the World Cup and when recovering from last season's broken jaw after receiving an elbow from New England's Clint Dempsey.
Wahl missed out, though, on competing with Hohlbein early in the season due to extended recovery from a broken leg suffered the day the Wizards headed to Argentina for preseason training.
"It was frustrating. I felt like preseason was going pretty well and that I was pretty fit and ready to fill any roles needed because of injuries and suspensions," Wahl said. "Part of the job is dealing with frustrating moments. When things aren't going your way, you just have to stick with it. I feel like I'm getting back some of that game sharpness. We've had two reserve games in the past two weeks, so I feel like I'm fit to play."
The Wizards coaching staff knew that Conrad might miss significant time during the season due to possible inclusion on the U.S. national team for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup running from early to mid-June and the Copa America from late June to early July. Yet they must be ready for any and all possibilities, thus they have prepared the second-team players well.
"Everyone on the coaching staff does a great job of letting us know what their expectations are and letting us know what our roles will be for the team, and they keep us positive," said Hohlbein. "They give encouragement; they give pointers when they need to, and they really support each and every player a tremendous amount."
Hohlbein or Wahl? Whoever gets the call, he will not only have the shoes of the renowned Conrad to fill, but the pressure of coming into a first-team that is gelling to the tune of four wins in five matches.
"I feel a little bit of pressure," Hohlbein said. "If I get called on to start or get in the game, I can just bring what I can and keep focused on what's at hand."
Who could be at hand Saturday is one of MLS's most-feared strikers in feisty FC Dallas striker Carlos Ruiz. The chance to tangle with the Guatemalan international interests Hohlbein.
"I wouldn't mind banging bodies with him. I'm excited to for the opportunity to play against a player of his caliber," he said. "If I get a chance to get in there, it's a little extra motivation to put a stop to him. If my number gets called to play, I'm going to be ready."
Conrad is training this week and will be re-evaluated on May 16, so Hohlbein or Wahl's starting time may be limited this time around. But who knows about the next injury or international absence?
Whenever that might be, starting right back Jack Jewsbury says either player is ready to perform.
"I think Aaron is a great young player. He's been sharp all through preseason. His first game there in D.C. was a big confidence boost for him; I thought he did well," he said. "And the same for Tyson. He's been around for a year. He got some good games last year and finally got to start at center back. He's ready."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
