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American legend McBride to retire at end of season

BrianMcBride (ISIphotos.com)

Photo by ISIphotos.com

U.S. men's national team legend and Chicago Fire captain Brian McBride has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in American soccer history and that career will close its final chapter at the end of this MLS season.

McBride will announce his retirement today, effective at the end of the season, sources have told SBI. The 38-year-old striker began his professional career 16 years ago in Germany before signing with Major League Soccer and becoming the first draft pick in the league's history.

McBride enjoyed nine memorable seasons with the Columbus Crew, and two successful loan stints in England (with Preston North End and Everton) before signing with Fulham. He became a folk hero at Craven Cottage during his four-year stint, serving as the club's leading scorer and captain before returning to MLS in 2008 with the Chicago Fire. 

To many American fans, it will be McBride's contributions to the U.S. national team that stand out the most, with his three World Cups, 96 appearances and 30 international goals before his retirement in 2006.

Here are a pair of tribute videos that do a great job of summing up his contributions through the years:

What do you think of the news of McBride retiring? Where does he rank among your favorite American players all time?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Could be 90% filled with Poland Fans though. Chicago has the most polish people other than their capital city

    Nice idea, but honestly wont be that loud for him other than sams army section

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  2. Absolute LEGEND for the U.S. He stands #1 of my favorite U.S. players, although Dempsey is rising fast.

    McBride was absolute class, heart, fearlessness and perseverance. I hope he has a continuing role in U.S. soccer training the next generation, and I would love to see him as coach of the national team someday.

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  3. Always my favorite player for both the Nats and the Whites. Rare example of a player who is an even better man than even his talents on the field. True Legend, got choked up watching those vids. Fulham named a pub within The Cottage for him, very telling.

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  4. I’m with you Mcbride could make an immediate impact just as an assistant to help teach the boys how to be a proffesional and how to impress people. And win for country

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  5. My favorite American player. I was at the game against Italy in Kaiserslautern, I’ll never forget his performance that night.

    Too bad we don’t have another finisher like him in our current pool…

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  6. I very selfishly completely agree. I would love to be there and watch him put on the shirt one last time. A mention during halftime though would suffice. His last match will be a sad day in my household…

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  7. Bradley should give McBride a farewell USMNT appearance againt Poland In October – and play him after 90 miniutes in stoppage time as a tribute to a great player who is till the best striker (sorry, Waldo…) this country has ever produced…and we missed your fearlessness in SA 2010!

    Thanks fo the memorable moments and conrtibutions to the USMNT!

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  8. I agree with this sentiment. I don’t know if he would be good at it or if he even has an interest, but I think McBride could be the guy who could get a coaching job somewhere in Europe. Not a manager right off the bat, of course, but an assistant or otherwise because he has credibility there. Much like he did for Americans in the EPL, McBride could be a pioneer for US coaches abroad (which I believe is one of the things the USMNT needs to advance). If that is not up his alley, McBride might consider being Jozy Altidore’s personal trainer. If Jozy played and trained at McBride’s level, the sky would be the limit.

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  9. I re-watched some of the 2002 WC games on ESPN Classic this summer. Man, he was beastly. He was winning absolutely every ball in the air. Great effort by the team, but he and Friedel led us to the quarterfinal.

    FYI – You most likely will want to mute your computer if you watch these videos.

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  10. I’m a Crew season ticket holder since year one. I’ll never forget the game he played against New England where the Crew came back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. Brian had a brilliant goal. At the end of the game the crowd rushed the field and carried him off. He was always classy and made sure everyone who wanted an autograph had one. Most Crew fans appreciate what he did for the organization. Booing him is like booing Sigi. The only accomplishment relating to Brian bigger than his futbol career is his devotion to his family and the kind hearted way he carried himself. Here’s to you Brian. Well Done!

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  11. Agreed, Landon Donovan is probably the best national team player we’ve ever had but McBride is by far the best American soccer player of all time. Only challenge to him might be Friedel but field players and goalkeepers are hard to compare.

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  12. I never really followed soccer, but watching mcbride battle against italy in 06, got me following him in the epl. Loved watching that guy come through time and again for Fulham. Four years later i’m addicted to the sport. Thanks Mcbride!! I’m glad I got to see you play.

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  13. GREAT player…end of story…

    What is often overlooked regarding McBride is his intelligence on the pitch. He was absolutely fantastic at opening space for his teammates with well timed runs. Of course, his runs into dangerous positions have always been one of his staples.

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  14. This man is a legend in the sport. I would love to see him in some type of coaching capacity for the Nats. Jay Demerit reminds me of him so much, gritty, determined, plays with heart. We could use him to teach the youngsters so much. Thanks McBride!!

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