A stalwart presence out of the back, Steven Birnbaum has grown in to an undisputed leader for the Black-and-Red. The fifth-year player leads his fellow defenders from the back line, while also leading Major League Soccer in several key defensive categories for the 2018 season, including headed clearances (75) and aerials won (122). A starter in all 23 games so far this season, the veteran defender has played every minute of every match—he is the only D.C. player who has played every minute thus far, serving as a reliable presence in the center back position throughout the ups and downs of the season.
While he's normally not the biggest defender on the pitch, the 6-foot-1 centerback’s basketball background of corralling rebounds as a kid has helped Birnbaum develop his proficiency in winning headers after transitioning to soccer.
“It’s always been a strength of mine," Birnbaum said. "First of all it’s positioning, but more important I think is the timing. My timing to reach the ball at its highest peak is probably the reason I win so many headers because I’m not the tallest guy.”
Birnbaum’s 2018 season is not an aberration as he has ranked among league leaders in aerial wins, clearances, headed clearances, blocks, and interceptions since his professional debut in June of 2014, proving his place as one of the league’s most productive defenders.
The veteran's strength in directing the back line is an added bonus to his statistical contributions. With an influx of new signings and young players to the Black-and-Red, Birnbaum has been tasked with smoothing their transition by constantly communicating with them on and off the field.
After each game, Birnbaum watches film to resolve any defensive breakdowns that led to goals or scoring chances for the opposition. He then communicates any necessary adjustments to his teammates as they prepare for the next match.
Midseason acquisition Wayne Rooney, who currently serves as the team’s captain, has also elevated Birnbaum’s leadership. Birnbaum has taken note of Rooney's vocalness and direction on the pitch, and the two have combined to dictate play from the back line up through the spine of the midfield.
“[Rooney] is a great leader. I try to look at things he does and maybe I can emulate them on the field or off the field,” Birnbaum said. “I’m there leading from the back and he’s leading from the front, so it works out nice for our group to have guys on both sides of the field trying to control the game.”
While new additions like Rooney have helped United experience a bit of a revitalization as of late, Birnbaum has been a rare cornerstone in the D.C. United defense as injuries and acquisitions have necessitated shuffling in the back of the Black-and-Red’s lineup. After inconsistent play in the first portion of the season, the defense now ranks in the top five of the league in goals allowed over the last five games, conceding only five times since August 4.
Along with Birnbaum's increased production rate, a multitude of factors have converged to make the United defense the stauncher unit it’s become. Key defenders Russell Canouse and Kofi Opare returned to the lineup from injuries, the coaching staff started fielding a 4-2-3-1 formation allowing two defensive midfielders to shore up the back four, and the Black-and-Red reacquired standout Homegrown goalkeeper Bill Hamid to protect the net and add additional leadership to the relatively young group.
“It’s key having Bill back there as a leader and to know that he’s going to come up with a big-time save when you need one,” Birnbaum said.
With the club's push for the postseason still alive, fans will hope Birnbaum's leadership and sharp play from the back continue to help drive the Black-and-Red closer to the playoff line.
