Brian McBride Honored
American soccer legends Kristine Lilly, Brian McBride & former USA Head Coach Bob Bradley inducted into US Soccer Hall of Fame
The trailblazers of American soccer players – Kristine Lilly and Brian McBride were celebrated last night as they were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Special Spotlight on Brian McBride
Now in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, McBride has set the new standard for Men’s National Team strikers and as a role model on and off the field.
Brian McBride is an American soccer hero who played for the US men’s national team, earning over 96 caps. McBride scored 30 goals which placed him fourth on the all-time scoring charts. Described as selfless, McBride’s career reflects his dedication to the team above all and his deep love of the game. Referred to as the consummate teammate, McBride is a great example for today’s youth to look up to.
USMNT star Brian McBride’s induction into the Hall of Fame was complete with a long series of thank you’s to his family, and in particular to his older brother who helped guide his career as his agent.
“It’s a great honor to be here,” McBride said to the assembled group after being inducted at the US Soccer Annual General Meeting’s Anniversary dinner. “It’s an even greater honor, as everybody’s talked about, being a part of this class.”
Besides being a rock star of fortitude on the US Men’s National Team, McBride played for the Columbus Crew, Fulham F.C. and the Chicago Fire
According to US Soccer’s website:
Perhaps the best player in the history of American soccer when it comes to headers, Brian McBride showed he could score at MLS, National Team, and Premier League levels. McBride retired from the National Team following the 2006 World Cup, but played for two more seasons with Fulham before returning home as a member of the Chicago Fire. He officially retired from soccer following the 2010 MLS season.
A scoring sensation with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, McBride adapted to the international game with relative ease. The 6’1″ striker has scored in nearly one-third of his international matches and accounted for the only US goal at France ’98. McBride will forever be remembered in American soccer history as the first selection in the inaugural MLS Draft in 1996.
The only American to score in two different World Cups, he is also a hero at Preston North End and Everton for his two productive loan spells in England. Joining Fulham in 2004 showed England has learned what US soccer fans have known for years.
After making his third World Cup roster in 2006 and playing in all three of the games in Germany, McBride announced his retirement from international play in July of 2006. He ends his long career with the National Team ranking second on the team’s all-time goal-scoring and points lists, and is one of a select few players to see time in three different World Cups.
McBride returned to MLS in 2008 where he spent three season with the Chicago Fire before announcing his retirement at the end of 2010. Moving into commentary work, he is part of the studio team for Fox’s soccer broadcasts. He also runs McBride’s Attacking Soccer Academy.
Next – Kristine Lilly Honored
