Couldn't have happened to a nicer chap. please log in to view this image "Former Fulham Captain Brian McBride has been inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame. McBride, who lined up for the U.S. at three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006), was elected to the Class of 2014 as a first-ballot inductee. With more than 90 caps and 30 international goals to his name, he is recognised as one of his countryâs greatest-ever players. He also helped the U.S. claim the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and guided them to the Semi-Final of the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup and the Quarter-Final of the World Cup in 2002. Having started his career at Milwaukee Rampage, McBride lined up for VfL Wolfsburg in Germany before returning to the U.S. with Columbus Crew. Loan spells at Preston North End and Everton followed, before a move to Craven Cottage in January 2004. In SW6 the Americanâs impact was instant, leading Fulhamâs frontline with unrivalled bravery and commitment. He would go on to score 40 goals in 153 appearances for the Whites, and finished the 2006/07 campaign as the Clubâs leading scorer. In the summer of 2007, he was handed the Captainâs armband. Such was his popularity on the banks of the Thames, McBride was twice named Fulhamâs Player of the Year and in June 2009 the Club renamed a bar at the Cottage in his honour. In playing his part in our âGreat Escapeâ at the end of the 2007/08 season (his last in English football), few overseas players have captured Fulham hearts quite like our former inspirational striker. He returned to the MLS in July 2008 when signing for Chicago Fire, before retiring at the end of the 2009/10 season â scoring in his final match and leaving the field to a standing ovation. Now working as an analyst for Fox Soccer, McBrideâs contribution to American soccer and the wider game has been deservedly rewarded and all at Fulham Football Club would like to congratulate him on his award."
Yeah, I saw story about McBride. I think he'd be in my top three of all-time American outfield players, starting with little known John O'Brien, Donovan and then McBride. But as far as pure professionalism is concerned, McBride has no peer amongst Americans. I remember reading this: the year McBride blew out his knee playing for Fulham, a journalist was traveling with the USA squad on a tour of Asia (if memory serves). For some reason, McBride was with the team, but not playing. The journalist had a room down the hall from the hotel exercise room and wrote that he noticed McBride running on the hotel treadmill as he left the hotel one morning to see some sites and get lunch. When the reporter returned hours later, in the afternoon, McBride was still there, running.
