Brannon described Hutchins, 23, from Plymouth, Massachusetts, as an "outstanding Marine" who led his infantry squad in a dangerous area where troops had to battle stress and attacks from insurgents.
On a brighter note, loan signing Frederic Piquionne looked dangerous throughout and the 30-year-old French forward could prove a key addition to a squad that might well be heading for a relegation battle.
Every year, it seems some battle-weary team receives an unexpected jolt from a lightly used squad member whose freshness, fitness and hunger plays a central role in leading his club to glory.