1. And Pablo Mastroeni survived occasional lapses in his first important international match as a defensive midfielder.
2. As would Mike Burns, the defensive midfielder from Marlborough who has committed to New England, and any other pro players.
3. Both teams were similarly aligned, with two defensive midfielders and no specialist creator.
4. Burns is a defensive midfielder, a position which requires dependability, durability and endurance.
5. Burns long ago accepted his role as a defensive midfielder.
6. But also look for the defensive midfielder who stalks the opposing offense like a checking wing in hockey.
7. Burns began the season as a defensive midfielder, his position for most of his time in the US national team program.
8. But the match was decided on scores by Cesar Sampaio, a defensive midfielder who has scored as many goals as Ronaldo in the tournament.
9. Central defenders Brian Dunseth and Richard Goulooze were either too slow to react or were out of position, and defensive midfielder Ivan McKinley struggled to keep up.
10. David Nakhid replaced Pareja, changing from his accustomed role as a defensive midfielder to an attacking midfielder.