It’s been over 20 years now since Paul Caliguiri’s goal against Trinidad & Tobago propelled the US to the 1990 World Cup and put America back on the footballing map. Since then, the US has qualified for every World Cup, risen in FIFA’s world rankings and made it to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. During that time, there have been half a dozen managers and scores of players who have worn the National Team jersey. So who are the best? Here is my starting XI:
Goalkeeper
Brad Friedel (1992-2005): Curiously underappreciated by three National Team Managers and often the second choice behind Kasey Keller, Friedel still made 82 appearances for the National Team and was between the sticks during the US Team’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. He’s enjoyed a stellar club career and even as he approaches 40, Brad is still arguably the best keeper in the EPL.
Defenders
Marcelo Balboa (1988-2000): Top ten in both appearances and goals, Balboa turned out 128 times and tallied 13 goals for the US. Best known for his flowing locks and the bicycle kick goal that almost was at the 1994 World Cup, Marcelo was a US Captain and played in three World Cups.
Oguchi Onyewu (2004-present): At 28 and in the prime of his career, Onyewu has already established himself as one of the best central defenders in US National Team history. While his size and physical presence often overshadow his footballing skills, Gooch’s ability has earned him 56 appearances for the US and five goals as well as a contract with AC Milan. I would be shocked if he doesn’t earn 100 caps in his career.
Steve Cherundolo (1999-present): The veteran of three World Cup teams, Cherundolo is, in my opinion, the finest fullback the US has ever produced. While injuries have limited him to just 62 appearances and two goals in twelve years, he’s always been available and performed well in big matches. Steve is in his 13th season with Hanover 96 and occasionally wears the captain’s armband for the Bundesliga club.
Carlos Bocanegra (2001-present): Early in his career his uncompromising style of play would sometimes overshadow his quality but as the current US captain has matured, his footballing ability has come to the forefront. With superb distribution out of the back, the versatile Bocanegra can play either central or left back. His 12 goals in 84 appearances for the US is an impressive tally for a defender.
Midfielders
Claudio Reyna (1994-2006): A revelation when he burst onto the scene during the 1995 Copa America, Reyna would go on to make 112 appearance for the National Team, scoring 12 goals. A member of a record four World Cup squads (although injury prevented him from playing in 1994) “Captain America” became only the second US player to be named to an All-Tournament Team when he received the honor at the 2002 Finals in Korea and Japan.
Kobi Jones (1992-2004): The all-time leader in appearances for the US with 164, Jones scored 15 goals during his 13 years with the National Team. His speed and work rate up and down the right wing earned him spots on three World Cup rosters.
Tab Ramos (1988-2000): A player of true quality at a time when there was precious little of it in the National Team, Ramos made 81 appearances for the US, scoring eight goals including the vital winner in a qualifier against Costa Rica in 1997. Tab’s creative, attacking play earned him spots on the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cup squads.
Strikers
Brian McBride (1993-2006): A dominating aerial presence, McBride scored 30 goals in 95 appearances for the US. A veteran of three World Cups, Brian is still playing club soccer with the Chicago Fire at age 38. Scoring goals everywhere he went, McBride had great success in the England. First with Preston North End and then with Everton before arriving at Fulham, where he played 153 matches, scoring 40 goals.
Eric Wynalda (1990-2000): A player who seemed to save his best football for the National Team, Wynalda scored 34 goals in 107 games for the US. Eric played in three World Cups and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 1995 Copa America.
Landon Donovan (2000-present): The best field player that America has ever produced, Donovan is also the all-time leading scorer with 45 goals from 128 appearances for the US. Still only 28, Landon could become the first American to play in four World Cups in 2014 should the US qualify and he make the team. The numbers he’s capable of putting up for the National Team in terms of goals and appearances might never be equaled.
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