In the final frantic moments Sunday, Steve Birnbaum was comfortably out of position.
Birnbaum has started on the backline as far back as he can remember, filling prominent defensive roles for UC Berkeley, D.C. United and, on occasion over the past year, the U.S. national soccer team.
Central defenders typically come forward for corner kicks and free kicks in dangerous spots, then retreat to familiar ground. Trailing the New York Red Bulls by two goals and time growing short, United pushed him up front to not only gain an extra attacker, but to take advantage of his 6-foot-2 size and set-piece prowess.