What a year it has been for Yeimar “El Tanque” Gomez Andrade. The centerback currently leads MLS in interceptions (86), is tied for second in tackles (56), earned his first trip to the MLS All-Star game and is among the front-runners for the league’s Defender of the Year. As he leads the Rave Green in minutes played, being an absolute anchor in the backline, it is hard to imagine that the Colombian started the first two games of the season on the bench.
“I’m thankful to the coach, at that moment he did not think I was in good form and did what was best for me and the team,” Yeimar said as he talked about not starting in those early matches.