With his start against Colorado on March 10, Crew Captain Chad Marshall became the third player in franchise history to make 200 MLS regular season appearances for the Black & Gold. Only Jeff Cunningham and Mike Clark have made more League appearances for the Crew.
"It's a cool accomplishment," Marshall said of the milestone. "Obviously, I've been here for a while, I'd like to someday pass those two ahead of me. It's a pretty cool feat to get to."
"I think it shows what a rock Chad Marshall is for this organization," praised Crew President and General Manager Mark McCullers. "You look at how many times he's been there for us in the game; he's an integral part of our team, and certainly our defense."
Head coach Robert Warzycha, who made 160 MLS appearances for the Crew between 1996-2002 himself, echoed McCullers,"(Chad) is one of the guys that is a cornerstone of this team."
"It's good for him, and it means he's very important to this team."
At one point during the 2007 season, it was uncertain whether or not Marshall would play another game after multiple concussions had threatened his career.
"It was definitely touch-and-go back in 2007. I think it probably gave Chad an opportunity to think about where he would be if he didn't play soccer," McCullers reflected. "I think it makes things more special for him and the organization for him to reach this milestone."
Marshall returned better than ever in 2008, earning his first of two MLS Defender of the year awards and a MLS Best XI honor in helping the Crew to its second MLS Supporters' Shield and first MLS Cup victory.
Now in his eighth season with the Crew, Marshall is just three matches away from passing Cunningham and 21 away from the all-time mark set by Mike Clark. If the 27-year-old stalwart stays healthy, he will finish 2012 having played in more MLS regular season matches than any other player in the Crew's 17 year history.
The Crew will honor Marshall at the club's year-end award ceremony.
MARSHALL BY THE NUMBERS:
200 MLS Regular Season appearances
13 MLS Regular Season goals
11 MLS Cup Playoffs appearances
11 U.S. National Team appearances
9 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearances
5 CONCACAF Champions League appearances
3 MLS Supporters' Shields (2004, 2008, 2009)
2 MLS Defender of the Year awards (2008, 2009)
2 MLS All-Star game appearances
1 MLS Best XI (2008)
1 MLS Cup (2008)
