There might not a better centre-back in MLS history than Chad Marshall. The 34-year-old has been an exemplary defender throughout his career, anchoring a string of superb defences.
And since his arrival in Seattle, Washington, he has again masterminded one of the most consistent backlines in the league. It is a problem, then, for the Seattle Sounders to solve, that he will miss Thursday night’s Western Conference semi-final second leg against the Portland Timbers.
You could make a very strong argument that Marshall is the most important player to either team.