U.S. national team and former Columbus Crew forward Brian McBride announced his retirement from international soccer on Wednesday. The 34-year-old, who currently plays with Fulham Football Club of the English Premier League, appeared in 95 games for the Red, White and Blue, scoring 30 goals to rank him second all-time.
McBride is a three-time FIFA World Cup veteran and is the only player in U.S. soccer history to score in more than one World Cup, having found the net for the U.S. team's only goal in 1998 and scoring two game-winners in 2002.
"This is a special day in that I have the opportunity to thank U.S. Soccer for all it has done for me and my family," McBride said in a statement. "The consistent and determined efforts of the coaches, staff, and players at U.S. Soccer have helped bless me with the honor of being a part of three World Cups, playing the game I love over many years since first being called up in 1993. I will truly miss being part of the team. Additionally, I want to thank the fans of U.S. Soccer for their enthusiasm and support. Without the encouragement and warm words from many fans, I would not be where I am today.
"I also want to send special thanks to my wife Dina, and my children Ashley and Ella. Having their support and seeing their smiling faces in the crowd has only made these years more memorable."
McBride was one of the most dangerous attacking players for the U.S. team over his 13-year international career. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the MVP of the U.S. team's 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup winning team, where he also received the Golden Boot as the tournament's leading goal scorer with four. He also was a member of the 2000 team that won the Nike U.S. Cup.
"It was an honor to have a player like Brian McBride at the core of the national team during my tenure," said former U.S. manager Bruce Arena, who was recently hired as the sporting director and head coach of the New York Red Bulls. "With his goal scoring, ability in the air and intelligence on both sides of the ball, he is truly a player with qualities unlike any other player to wear the national team uniform. I always admired both his commitment and his leadership, and have nothing but the greatest respect for him as a player and a person. I would like to personally thank him for everything he has done for our national team program, and wish him and his family the best of luck for the future."
Though he now plies his trade in one of the most respected leagues in the world, Major League Soccer fans were treated to eight years of McBride as he began his professional career as the first player selected in the MLS Inaugural Player Draft in 1996. The Columbus Crew signed the St. Louis University product, and he went on to score 62 goals, which is tied for the team lead with Jeff Cunningham, who is now at Real Salt Lake.
Seven times McBride was named an MLS All-Star, not missing a game between 1996 and 2002 and scoring five goals. McBride made a return to the All-Star Game and to Columbus last season as a member of the Fulham side that fell to the MLS All-Stars at Crew Stadium. The Arlington Heights, Ill., native also played in 22 games in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the Crew, scoring nine goals and adding three assists.
McBride left the Crew during the 2003 season to join Fulham, where he has been a regular contributor to the Cottagers' offense. Last season he scored 10 goals for the club to take his career total at Fulham to 24. For his services he was named the Player of the Season.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
