FCD re-signs versatile McCarty
Fourth-year midfielder became club cornerstone in 2009
In 28 games, 27 of those starts, McCarty finished the year with three goals and six assists, three of which were game-winners. He played all over the FCD midfield before settling into a linking role late in the year, where he thrived.
McCarty's play was so strong down the stretch and for a majority of the year that many close to the team felt he was FCD's team MVP. That honor went to Jeff Cunningham, who won the 2009 Budweiser Golden Boot with a league-leading 17 goals, but McCarty's strong play definitely didn't go unnoticed.
His performance was even more impressive considering that McCarty was late reporting for preseason because of a lingering dispute between he and Hyndman, discord they quickly cast aside for the better of FCD.
"Credit to Schellas, we both definitely kind of put last year behind us," McCarty said. "We were both professional about it and just moved on. I just wanted to do my job and obviously he wanted to do his job. I think it's good for both of us. I came in, worked hard and tried to prove to him and my teammates that I was here to try to help us win."
McCarty realizes that one reason he was so successful in 2009 was because he was free of the small injuries that had set him back earlier in his career.
"I wanted to be on the field. It was definitely a good year for me in terms of staying healthy," he said. "That was really important for me. This is the most games I've played in my career. I kind of look at the latter part of the season and feel positive about my play and the team's overall play as well because it's always refreshing to be able to get good results when the pressure is on. We did have pressure on us at the end of the year to get results. It was definitely a rewarding system for me. It's definitely a little disappointing to not make the playoffs. I just look towards next year."
Fellow FCD midfielder Dave van den Bergh spoke for all of McCarty's teammates when he said the extension is well-deserved.
"He played well. I really can't say a whole lot more," van den Bergh said. "He was one of the driving forces behind this team this year. It's well deserved to get an extension. I thought he did well as a holding mid as well. He held his own there. Being a little bit more of a tweener, it (the linking role) fits him a little bit better. He had his best games there I felt."
Heading into the season, McCarty knew he was out of contract at year's end. However, instead of dwelling on his uncertain status with FCD, he chose to let his performance on the pitch speak for itself.
"I always knew I was out of contract when the year was up. My main focus throughout the entire year was always, let's see if we can make the playoffs, let's focus on this year and not really worry about the future," he said. "I've absolutely said that I've been here four years and I enjoy it here. I love playing with the guys. I love the team."
McCarty's week got even better when on Monday, he was one of three FCD players, along with Cunningham and defender Heath Pearce, called into a friendly with the US national team against Slovakia.
Heading into his fifth MLS season, McCarty was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. In 72 career games with FCD, including 53 starts, he has four goals and 15 assists. In 2007, he led FCD with seven helpers.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
