Player Profile: Zach Scott

Ten years with the Seattle Sounders in two different leagues now the one-time MLS trialist became a regular in the lineup starting two playoff games, all five Open Cup matches, three CONCACAF Champions League games and appearing in more than half of the regular season. Not many players have the best year of their career at 32 - Zach Scott is not many players, he is the Marker of Men.

Not only did Scott get the most minutes in his play with the MLS side, he was also one of the top defenders by duel rate and when he played the Sounders were more likely to get more shots, basically scoring a goal more than the opponents every fourth start. He would occasionally wear the Captains armband and finally did something he had not done in many years - score a goal, and then another, and then another.

Skills on offense: Scott is not a good passer. It isn't really his job, even when at right back. He particularly lacks the crossing ability that Seattle likes in support of Rosales. His short passes there are accurate enough, but do not create enough space to break Mauro free. On set-plays Scott will get forward because he is often a target of the kick. His header is now dangerous enough that teams will pay for judging him only by his height (under 6 feet).

Skills on defense: He earned the name Zach Scott: Man Marker (#ZSMM) by shutting down Brek Shea (a few times), and then Brad Davis. Prior to that it was Seb Le Toux who couldn't handle Scott. None of those men are fast, but all are solid MLS attacking players. When Scott faces speed his not-MLS starting qualities show, but against others he is just fine. While most of his MLS era time is on the right, he may be best at centerback where his lack of speed is less important and his short passing is more acceptable. He can even fill in on the right.

"When my numbers called again I'll do the same thing. I'll play whatever role I'm asked to."

Best Case in 2013: Scott is almost certain to regress, but even if he does slip to the 3rd RB, 3rd LB and 4th CB he will get playing time. It often will not impress fans who want more, but in 2013 as a deeper reserve, role-player and the final player from a different era Zach Scott: Man Marker will remain the second hardest working Sounders in the game.