Tireless work ethic.

Hardworking.

Ultimate competitor.

These are just some of the ways coaches and commentators describe Davy Arnaud. It is that recipe that has helped Arnaud make steps from Nederland's soccer program to West Texas A&M for three years and now as a seven year veteran of the Kansas City Wizards.

Arnaud had a very illustrious career at Nederland and then with the Buffaloes. He even left as the first All-American in West Texas A&M program history. That was enough to get recognized by the Wizards (50th pick in the 2002 Super Draft), but even then the Wizards figured Arnaud as a long shot.

The payoff, however, has been marvelous as Arnaud became a starter by his second year with the team. He has adapted to new positions and taken on new roles without really missing a beat.

In 2004, the mid-fielder/striker really started to impress the MLS world by becoming a MVP contender while scoring nine goals and adding eight assists. He even scored two goals in the Western Conference Championship against Los Angeles, propelling KC to the championship game where it lost to D.C. United.

Arnaud has been considered the most consistent player in the Wizards franchise over the course of his career so far. He even led the team in minutes played in 2006. In 2007, he set personal highs in points by scoring nine goals and producing nine assists.

His MLS play earned him a spot on the USA roster where he made an appearance on Sept. 7, 2007 when USA defeated Brazil 4-2 in a friendly.

The dream of playing for the USA team was quick lived, at least for the moment, as just two months after the appearance verses Brazil, Arnaud had to have micro-fracture surgery on his knee, the same surgery NBA No. 1 draft pick Gregg Oden had before his rookie season with Portland.

Arnaud said he could not walk for almost 12 weeks and the rehab was extraordinarily painful. He also said the surgery was something he needed to have done for a long time.

"It was a long process," he said. "And it's a pretty serious surgery but I know it was something I needed to do. It was hard missing so much time because I feel like one of my biggest accomplishments has been the minutes I played."

As Arnaud continued to rehab, KC was forced to play the first 15 games of the 2008 season without him.

The Wizards won just six games without him. Since his return, KC has gone 3-1-1.

KC head coach, Kurt Onalfo, who has been with the Wizards for two seasons, said Arnaud is a vital member of the team.