CARSON, Calif. -- During a season where the New York Red Bulls back line resembled a revolving door, Kevin Goldthwaite is the one player who provided stability amongst the chaos.
It made sense then for his teammates to ask Goldthwaite what to expect from the MLS Cup experience. Goldthwaite didn't play in MLS Cup 2006 with Houston, but he experienced all of the external pressures. He told his teammates not to worry.
"I think all the guys are used to it, whether it be overseas or college or whatever," Goldthwaite said. "I didn't tell them much. I think they can expect to have a couple of extra things to do here or there, but we're just going to be ready."
The Red Bulls haven't had to worry about Goldthwaite this season after penciling him into the lineup at left back. Often steady and rarely spectacular, Goldthwaite returned to the form he showed with Houston in 2006 after an up-and-down season last year.
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"I don't think we saw the real Kevin Goldthwaite last year," van den Bergh said. "He got injured so fast after he came in from Toronto. He's had a very good season [this year] and he was the defender of the year for our team, which he fully deserved."
That faux Goldthwaite surfaced because he shuffled between three teams last season. Houston traded him to Toronto as part of the deal to acquire Richard Mulrooney. Once it seemed like he got settled north of the border, TFC shipped him to the Red Bulls for Todd Dunivant in an exchange of left backs who never quite found top form with their teams.
All the uncertainly affected Goldthwaite's performances on the field. Heading into the 2008 campaign, new head coach Juan Carlos Osorio helped Goldthwaite get his head back in the proper order.
"I got bounced around a little bit and then I got injured at the end of last season," Goldthwaite said. "I didn't end the season as I would have hoped to, but this year I came in and performed well. Juan Carlos has been the engine who has pushed me through some of the tough times. I have come in this year and played well and had a good time."
Much of the work came in between the ears. Being traded isn't helpful to a player's confidence. Osorio worked with Goldthwaite and helped him realize the potential he had shown back in 2006.
"Juan Carlos has instilled a little bit more confidence in me," Goldthwaite said. "It's allowed me to play a little bit more and a little bit better. That, in turn, has allowed me to be a more constant starter at left back."
Constancy hasn't been a staple of that Red Bulls back line. Goldthwaite is the one player who has seen it all this season from the dark days earlier in the season to the team's recent uptick in defensive solidity.
Just six players started more than 20 games for the Red Bulls this season, three of those in the back. But two of that group -- goalkeeper Jon Conway and center back Jeff Parke -- are suspended for the final.
Through all of the changes and uncertainty, Goldthwaite has proven himself as someone Osorio can rely on as a stabilizing force.
"His contribution is highly appreciated," Osorio said. "He has improved a great deal in his football. I'm happy to see that."
In addition to his defensive responsibilities, Goldthwaite has also struck up a profitable partnership with van den Bergh. The left back tallied two goals and added two assists this season, but mostly stays at home to allow van den Bergh to provide balance to Dane Richards' speed on the right.
"We have a good understanding," van den Bergh said. "I try to help him out defensively and he does the same thing for me offensively. We make each other stronger, which is key to any team."
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