McBride applauds the crowd after the game. The USA tied South Korea, 1-1, at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. © John Todd / isiphotos.com Photo Gallery

Second All-Time Leading Scorer in U.S. History Leaves As Only U.S. Player to Score in Multiple World Cups

CHICAGO (July 26, 2006) — U.S. National Team forward and three-time World Cup veteran Brian McBride has announced his retirement from international soccer. The decision brings to an end a 13-year international career that produced 30 goals through 95 matches, leaving McBride as the second all-time leading scorer in team history.

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“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,” said McBride. “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 and 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.”

The only player in U.S. history to score in multiple World Cups (1998, 2002), McBride is also the USA’s all-time leader in World Cup qualifying goals (10). The three-time World Cup veteran (1998, 2002, 2006) has the second-most appearances for the USA in World Cup matches (10), starting all five games in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and netting the game-winners against Portugal and Mexico. He also scored the USA’s lone goal in France ’98.

"Brian brought a fierce competitiveness and professionalism to the national team that really set the standard for the modern U.S. player," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "When I look back at his impact on the team and the sport, I think it is easy to say that his legacy will be that of a true ironman on the field and a gentleman off of it. Everyone in the U.S. Soccer family owes Brian and his family a debt of gratitude for his contribution to the sport in the United States, and we wish them the best throughout the remainder of his career."

The Arlington Heights, Ill., native collected three medals during his international career, highlighted by the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup crown. McBride captured both the Golden Ball - as tournament MVP - and the Golden Boot - as the leading scorer - with four goals to lead the U.S. to their second Gold Cup championship. He scored two goals during the USA’s third place run in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, including one against Saudi Arabia in the third-place match, and helped lift the trophy for the 2000 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. "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."

McBride has spent the last three seasons at Fulham FC of the English Premier League, amassing 19 goals in 54 league appearances. Honored as the 2005-06 Fulham Player of the Year, he scored 10 times for the Cottagers. Before heading to England, he was a five-time MLS All-Star and left the Columbus Crew as their all-time leading scorer.

BRIAN MCBRIDE
Position: Forward
Hometown: Arlington Heights, Ill.
Club: Fulham FC (England)
DOB: June 19, 1972

MNT Career Stats
GP: 95 – Goals: 30

World Cup Stats
GP: 10 – Goals: 3

World Cup Qualifying Stats
GP: 25 – Goals: 10

Career Statistics

Year	GP/GS	Min.	G	A	Pts.	Y	R	W-L-T
1993	1/0	27	0	0	0	0	0	0-1-0
1996	7/2	281	2	1	5	0	0	4-1-2
1997	7/6	543	2	0	4	0	0	1-4-2
1998	9/4	448	2	0	4	0	0	3-4-2
1999	11/10	856	3	2	8	1	0	6-3-2
2000	10/9	765	4	1	9	1	0	5-1-4
2001	5/4	237	1	0	2	1	0	2-2-1
2002	15/15	1177	6	3	15	0	0	9-4-2
2003	7/6	742	3	2	8	0	0	5-1-1
2004	11/9	747	3	0	6	0	0	6-1-4
2005	7/6	529	3	1	7	0	0	5-2-0
2006	5/5	428	1	0	2	0	0	1-3-1
12-Year Totals	95/76	6780	30	10	70	3	0	47-27-21