Gbandi was drafted by the Dallas Burn (now F.C. Dallas) first overall in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft after a hugely successful career at the University of Connecticut, where he was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy in 1999 and 2001, and a winner in 2000 (he was named First Team All-American during his last two years in college). However, Gbandi missed all of the 2002 season while rehabilitating a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He returned in the 2003 season, where he registred one goal and two assists after playing 22 games in a disappointing campaign for the Burn. Gbandi played in another 23 games in 2004.
Although many had long hoped that Gbandi would become a force at left back for the United States national team, his professional career has indicated that he likely would never reach that height. Gbandi made this certain, however, when in 2004 he accepted an offer from the Liberian national team to compete in the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers.
ChrisGbandi (born April 7, 1979 in Bong Mines, Liberia) is a Liberian-American professional soccer player, who currently plays left back for FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.
Although many had long hoped that Gbandi would become a force at left back for the United States national team, his professional career has indicated that he likely would never reach that height.
Gbandi made this certain, however, when in 2004 he accepted an offer from the Liberian national team to compete in the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers.
Gbandi, who Saturday became the first defender since 1991 to win soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy, had been ribbed by his teammates all year for failing to convert a direct free kick.
Gbandi said he had waited all year for the opportunity to show off his undershirt, which he bought over the summer and wore in every game.
Lewis and Gbandi were honored as the offensive and defensive players of the tournament.
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