Marc Burch versus Avery John

by Martin Shatzer on May 15, 2025 4:57 PM EDT

We've seen debates emerge a couple times over the past few weeks as to who should be our starting left back. The reality of the situation is that Tom Soehn is likely to continue rotating players at just about every position for the foreseeable future. Marc Burch and Avery John each started one match last week, and they're probably going to continue to split time as long as both are healthy. But who should be our #1 top choice at that spot? Let's break it down…

Marc Burch

Positives:

1. Burchie-bomb - Although we haven't seen much of Burch-from-distance yet this year, he is much better in the offensive third than John. Whether crossing the ball from the left flank, or taking a free kick, Burch's left foot remains to be one of the most dangerous weapons on the team.
2. Educational background - Marc Burch graduated from the University of Maryland the same year that I did. That's got to count for something.

Negatives:

1. Consistency - Burch has been known to put together 85 solid minutes, but if you take one play off, that could be one goal for the other team. The only thing consistent about Burch is him getting beat for headers by Dax McCarty.

Avery John

Positives:

1. Experience - While age can be both a pro and a con, the 33-year old John has seen it all. And with 65 caps for the Trinidad & Tobago national team, John is second only to Moreno in international experience.

2. Position - John was the starting left back for the Revolution team that went to the MLS Cup Final three years in a row, and that was a 3-5-2 system.

Negatives:

1. Lack of chemistry - John has been with the club for less than a month, and has only made one appearance so far. With a defensive unit that already occasionally struggles with communication , it might take a little while for him to fit in.

2. Fouls - One of John's most commonly used defensive tactics is the foul. That can put the club in a tough spot sometimes.

So in conclusion, I'm giving the starting job to Burch because he has more positives than negatives. Yes, namely because he's a Terp. Now there's some expert analysis that you won't find in any other blog in the country!

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Comments

Wait, when did United play T&T? ;-)

I know you'll be shocked with this one, but at this point, I think we stick with Burch. Yeah, pick your jaw up off the floor. So why?

(1) John gives up too many fouls and doesn't do much in possession. Burch may not defend as well, but he's comfortable with the ball at his feet (at least until he launches another aimless crossfield ball or cross to nobody).

(2) John is a known quantity. Burch's relative youth means we need to ride him for a significant stretch to see if he can make the position his own and fulfill his potential. For the record, I just don't think he's mean enough or has the concentration to play wide in a back three (back four? probably, but I'd rate Wallace higher).

Fingers crossed if he starts this weekend. If ever there was a team that punishes any minor lapse, it's Chivas.

by Fullback on May 15, 2025 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

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