before the U.S. beat them -- and I didn't know much about him, other than he was the guy with the hair ... and I watched him walk around the field, always finding a slot where his teammate could find him with the ball, and always knowing before he received the ball where it was going next. He rarely passed the ball more than 20 yards, yet he picked up assist after assist. A magician if ever there was one.
3. Stern John in Columbus. Stern John's time in MLS was brief but memorable. I put him on this list because, when it comes to MLS strikers, he's the guy who immediately pops into my mind. Strong and quick with a hunger to score goals. I imagine we'll see him again some day in the league, but it won't be the same. I also think of Damani Ralph when I think of Stern. These are the kind of strikers I like to watch.
2. D.C. United's first uniform. Like the original trophy, I really liked D.C. United's original uniforms. I liked the big stripes on the shirt and shorts. I liked the big names on the back. I liked the white top and red shorts on the road. I even liked when they'd mix and match sets. Most of the original MLS uniforms were brutal. D.C. should've never changed. I know they've stuck with a theme, but one of these years, throw it back!
1. Doug Hamilton. It's almost two years now since we lost Doug, a man of incredible grace and humility. Here's hoping he's never, ever forgotten and that more people in positions of power in MLS learn about his style of doing business, and emulate it. I miss my e-mail and phone exchanges with Doug more than anything else on this list. He was a guy who could engage in a good argument and never, ever hold a grudge. A great guy.
Jeff Bradley is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. Send your comments and complaints (200 words or less, please) to Jeff at jbradleyespn2003@yahoo.com and he promises to read (but not respond to) all of them. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com.
