Every soccer fan in the United States has heard of Brian McBride, the American that showed that U.S. could play soccer at the top level in Europe. With his signature No. 20 jersey, he wowed fans at Fulham and the US National Team. Brian was and is the best scorer that America has had so far.
McBride, now 36, showed that he could become a top-class player in high school when he led his school to the Illinois state championship in 1988. Eventually, he went to Saint Louis University and set records for the most goals, assists, and total points. His career was getting off on the right foot, and it was soon to get better.
After playing briefly with minor leagues in the States and for Vfl Wolfsburg in Germany's second division, he came back to play for the Columbus Crew in the MLS's debut season in 1996. It was here that he established himself as a goal scoring machine, scoring 62 goals in his eight years at the club, a club record that still stands.
In 2000, McBride got the big break he wanted and went to play in England. He was loaned out to Preston North End where he had to regretfully sit out most of the season with a blood clot.
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Two years later, Everton's manager David Moyes, Preston's manager while McBride was at the club, called upon McBride's services again. McBride had a terrific season with Everton, scoring on his debut for the club. McBride went on to score four goals in eight games that season.
Soon, McBride was transferred again—this time to Fulham. Like he did for Everton, he scored on his debut for Fulham. He had the best time of his career at Fulham. He scored over five goals every season he was with Fulham. In the 2006-2007 season, McBride was Fulham's top goal scorer with 12 goals to his name, and was named Fulham's Player of the Year.
In August of 2007, he was made captain of Fulham. Although the 2007/2008 season proved to be the best season of his career, it was cut short by injury. For the rest of his time at Fulham, he would only come on as a substitute.
In May of 2008, McBride announced he was leaving Fulham and going back to the MLS. He was quickly picked up by the Chicago Fire, his hometown club.
McBride also had a brilliant international career. He made his international debut in 1993 and his World Cup debut in 1998. He went on to earn 95 caps for his country and score 20 goals. After the 2006 World Cup, he announced his retirement from international duty. However, he was convinced to rejoin the national team for his first ever Olympics.
What's next for Brian McBride, the American that wowed the Fulham faithful? With his new club the Chicago Fire, and his duties at the Olympics, McBride hopes to close out his successful career.
I thank McBride for all those goals and entertaining games he gave Americans. I wish him the best in his career.
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29 days ago
Always been a big fan since his Everton days. Will add much needed experience to the MLS.
Thanks for sharing.
from 29 days ago
The MLS needs all the experience it can get. McBride is my all time soccer hero, even if he's not as good as Ronaldo or Kaka' or others.
29 days ago
Thanks for a great article. McBride has always been one of my favorite players. As an avid supporter of the US National team, every time McBride played, whether it was in England or for the US, I felt a sense of pride for my country. McBride will always be an American legend.
from 29 days ago
They could make a movie about him. LOL
28 days ago
62 goals in 8 years... That's awful for a striker isn't it?
from 28 days ago
Someone's always the critic.
28 days ago
Good article. Really well written. Is he captain of the US team at the olympics? Would be a fitting if picked up a gold medal in te next few weeks.
from 28 days ago
I believe he is the captain...and if he did win the gold, it'd be a great end to his movie, lol
28 days ago
Great write.
28 days ago
I've alaways thought McBride was a very good player. Scored a great goal at Old Trafford against Manchester United for Fulham a few years back now.
But some of the statistics you've given haven't exactly done him justice... scored over 5 goals every season at fulham? not exactly ground breaking stuff to document in my opinion. and 62 goals in 8 years is respectable but not brilliant!
as i said tho i'm a big fan of McBride... i think his all round game was about more than just goals. He was probably my favourite player outside of the man united team during his fulham years. Came across as a grounded bloke who wasnt a "big-time charlie" and in the game for the right reasons... for he love of football and not the big wages!
from 28 days ago
Did I ever say that he was the best striker ever? I realize that his stats aren't exactly the best, but he's still a big legend.
28 days ago
McBride's contributions have extended much further than his goal-scoring numbers. First he was a star in MLS and gave a shaky league a star and a strong leg to stand on. I don't know if the MLS would be where it is today if it wasn't for McBride's contribution. Then he went to Fulham where he started a string of American signings. He proved that Americans can succeed in Europe and that step has paved the way for countless Americans abroad.
It will be great to have him back in Chicago.
28 days ago
I would say he is up there with the best the US have ever produced, they guy was just a tank too. Just remember in the 2006 World Cup against with him trying to play on even though their was blood streaming down his face. He gives his all no matter what, and I love that in a player.
from 28 days ago
The guy's awesome, what else is there to say?
28 days ago
Thanks for this appreciation Thomas. Despite none of us being Fulham fans or American, McBride became a legend amongst my housemates, and one of my favourite C21st Premiership Players. I don't think Fulham would have stayed up had it not been for his inspiration toward the end of the season when he cameback from injury, along with Jimmy Bullard. England will greatly miss having him.
And Ian, I remember that 2006 world cup clash vividly, still angry that Italy got away with a draw that night!
from 28 days ago
Well, I'm an American but I hate Fulham. Demsey & Bocenegra are the only people I watch on the club.
28 days ago
Guess that is what makes a player. If he gives his all, is a play maker and can score consistently...what else can one ask for. He did show that the Americans can also play "soccer". :)
from 28 days ago
Your not American, are you. Yea, McBride's a true playmaker. It's great to see him back in the MLS.
28 days ago
Love McBride...
28 days ago
Love him, he was great for Fulham. Best american player of all time.
28 days ago
No, Thomas. Am not an American. How did you guess? ;)
from 28 days ago
the "soccer" comment...lol. Where are you from anyways?
27 days ago
I know. :) Am from Bombay - India.
from 27 days ago
ah...ok
26 days ago
Hey another great soccer article Thomas! McBride is great!
22 days ago
Nice piece. Any attention McBride gets is well deserved. He is such an important figure in the history of American soccer. I am sorely disappointed that I didn't have more of an opportunity to watch him representing the U.S. once again in these Olympics.
from 22 days ago
unfortunately, the USA is out of the Olympics now. I'm bummed out about it.
15 days ago
Oh ya, his wife is really hot. I am extremely jealous of McBride, my all time favorite McBride moment other than the diving header against mexico from Beasleys cross was De Rossis blow to his head and how hollywood-istic it looked when he ran off the field with the blood running down his face,...one wholesome, strong, dude. He's arguably one of the greatest headers of the game.
from 15 days ago
he should get a movie. call it McBride: American Soccer Legend. i havent really seen his wife that much. calls for a google search. haha
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