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From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:
U.S. MNT vs. England Notes
London, England
May 27, 2008
READY FOR ACTION: The U.S. has settled into England and is ready for action as the majority of the U.S. roster arrived in London on May 22, with the remainder of the group filtering in ahead of Wednesday's game. Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark landed Saturday, followed by DaMarcus Beasley and Danny Califf the next day. The MLS contingent of Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Brad Guzan and Frankie Hejduk all joined up with the group on Memorial Day. Kickoff for Wednesday, May 28, is slated for 8 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET), and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN Classic and via tape delay on Galavision at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Fans can also follow the match live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
QUICK HITS
-Benny Feilhaber (torn meniscus) has been replaced on the roster by Toronto FC midfielder Maurice Edu. Hejduk has been called up for defensive cover as Jonathan Spector (hip) has been unable to train and is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game.
-The U.S. holds a 2-6-0 lifetime record against England, and were defeated in their only visit to London in a 2-0 loss on June 4, 1994, at Wembley Stadium.
-The lone U.S. victory at home came June 9, 1993, a 2-0 win in Foxborough during U.S. Cup ’93. Thomas Dooley and his replacement Alexi Lalas scored for the United States, handing the U.S. their second-ever win against the Three Lions.
-The game on Wednesday will take place three years to the day after the team's last meeting, a 2-1 victory for England on May 28, 2005, in Chicago.
-A number of players on both rosters were on the field that day, including a young Clint Dempsey who recorded his first international goal in his sixth appearance for the United States. From the home side: Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey (1), Landon Donovan, and Josh Wolff. On the field for England: Wes Brown, Ashley Cole, Jermain Defoe, David James, and Glen Johnson (starters in bold). Additionally, Liverpool striker Peter Crouch served as an unused substitute.
-Of the players named to Bob Bradley’s team, only Ricardo Clark and Landon Donovan have appeared in all three games thus far for the U.S in 2008, and as starters to boot.
-Donovan has already notched a team-leading five points from one goal and three assists.
-Donovan became the U.S. all-time leading scorer earlier this year when he netted a penalty against Sweden on Jan. 19 to take his career tally to 35 goals. Netting the game-winner in front of his home fans at The Home Depot Center, the 26-year-old surpassed Eric Wynalda to grab sole possession of the top spot. Re-live all of Donovan’s 35 goals with ussoccer.com’s interactive video chart.
-Bob Bradley is looking to mark his second year in charge with a similar undefeated streak to the one the team enjoyed last year. In 2007, the U.S. went 11 games before losing on June 28 against Argentina in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The 4-1 loss in the opening game of Copa America marked the first defeat under Bradley, who compiled a 10-0-1 record prior to that time. Bradley is the first coach in U.S. history to record victories in his first three matches in charge, and is currently riding a five-match unbeaten run that dates back to a 1-0 victory against Switzerland on Oct. 17, 2007, in Basel. With a win or a tie against England, the U.S. can start its first four games of the year unbeaten for the third time in the last four years.
-U.S. forward Josh Wolff reached a half-century of caps with the United States when he made a second half appearance in the USA’s 3-0 win against Poland on March 26 in Krakow. The former Chicago Fire and Kansas City Wizards forward, who made his international debut in 1999, appeared in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups for the United States, setting up Brian McBride’s game-winning goal in the historic 2-0 victory against Mexico on June 17, 2002, in Jeonju, Korea.
-A total of 14 players on the current roster appeared in the victory against Poland in March, which, combined with the victory against Switzerland, marked the first back-to-back victories on European soil in team history. The squad: Carlos Bocanegra (1) – capt., Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, Ricardo Clark, Jay DeMerit, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Eddie Johnson, Eddie Lewis (1), Oguchi Onyewu (1), Heath Pearce, Jonathan Spector, Josh Wolff (starters in bold).
-When Onyewu powered home a drive from seven yards out against Poland, he recorded the fourth goal of his career, and marked his first ever time scoring in back-to-back games. It may also be the only time in his career that he is the second leading scorer for the U.S. team.
-With the victory against Poland, the U.S. climbed above the .500 mark for the second time in Bob Bradley's reign. The U.S. last rose above the .500 mark during the 2007 Gold Cup, when victories against Canada and Mexico elevated the U.S. to two games above even. Subsequent losses dropped the U.S. below .500, but with the victory in Krakow the U.S. eclipsed the even mark for only the second time since 1937.
-U.S. MNT Assistant Mike Sorber is the only member of the U.S. contingent who was involved the USA’s first and only match in England. Appearing in the team’s first match since the conclusion of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the former U.S. international went 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat on September 7, 1994.
DONOVAN SET TO JOIN THE CENTURY CLUB: Should Landon Donovan play in the match against England, he will add another remarkable statistic to his already impressive international résumé by becoming the fourth youngest male player of all-time to earn 100 caps. Only 10 other U.S. players have achieved that mark, with Kasey Keller being the most recent player to reach 100 appearances when he minded the net during last year’s Gold Cup semifinal victory against Canada. Cobi Jones remains the USA’s all-time capwinner with 164 appearances – still good for fourth most in the world - while Marcelo Balboa holds the distinction of become the first U.S. player, either male or female, to join the century club.
Youngest 100 Cap Winners
Name Nationality Birthdate 100th Cap Age (Years, Months, Days)
1. Cha Bum-Kun South Korea 5/22/1953 10/9/1977 24, 4, 17
2. Sami Al-Jaber Saudi Arabia 12/11/1972 5/27/1998 25, 5, 16
3. Mohammed Al-Dyeayea Saudi Arabia 8/2/1972 6/3/1998 25, 10, 1
4. Mohammed Al-Khilaiwi Saudi Arabia 5/24/1971 9/27/1998 27, 4, 3
5. Cobi Jones USA 6/16/1970 2/10/1998 27, 7, 25
U.S. 100 Cap Winners
Name Caps Goals (SO) Era
1. Cobi Jones 164 15 1992-2004
2. Jeff Agoos 134 4 1988-2003
3. Marcelo Balboa 128 13 1988-2000
4. Claudio Reyna 112 8 1994-2006
5. Paul Caligiuri 110 5 1984-1998
6. Eric Wynalda 106 34 1990-2000
7. Kasey Keller 102 (47) 1990-
8. Earnie Stewart 101 17 1990-2004
9. Tony Meola 100 (32) 1988-2006
10. Joe-Max Moore 100 24 1992-2002
LANDON TOPS THE U.S. SCORING CHARTS: Landon has already recorded his name in the record books once this year, reaching the summit of the USA’s all-time goalscoring list. His game-winner in the 2-0 victory against Sweden on January 20 increased his career total to 35 goals in international play, pushing him past Eric Wynalda for the all-time lead. “I wouldn’t classify it as important but it’s something that I’m very proud of,” said Donovan of the record. “More so than scoring goals, being part of the team for a long time is something I’m proud of. For me, the most important part of any game is helping the team get a victory.” To view all 35 of Landon’s goals, click here.
AND THE MLS, WHILE HE’S AT IT: Donovan is also lighting it up in MLS, currently leading the league in both goals (9) and assists (6). Donovan was all over the scoresheet again this weekend, converting from the penalty spot in the Galaxy's 3-1 victory against Kansas City before setting up teammate Edson Buddle for the game-winner. Former U.S. international Roy Lassiter holds the record for most goals in a season with 27, a mark he achieved in 1996 with the Tampa Bay Mutiny. The assists record is held by three-time World Cup veteran Carlos Valderrama. The Colombian tallied 26 assists in 2000, also with the Mutiny. In the 13-year history of MLS, no player has simultaneously finished atop both the goals and assists charts.
ON A ROLL: The U.S. enters the summer stretch riding a string of success, unbeaten in the last five matches and holding a 4-0-1 record during the run. The streak includes the USA’s first-ever back-to-back wins on European soil, a Michael Bradley goal delivering a 1-0 win against Switzerland on Oct. 17, 2007, in Basel before Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu and Eddie Lewis paced the U.S. to a comprehensive 3-0 win against Poland on March 26 in Krakow. Adding in the 1-0 victory against South Africa in Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup, the U.S. has also collected three consecutive road victories for the first time in team history.
DAMARCUS DOES ‘THE DOUBLE’: DaMarcus Beasley returned to the Rangers' starting lineup for the first time since November and made his return in style, playing a vital role in the Glasgow club's 3-2 victory against Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup Final on May 24 at Hampden Park. Beasley drew the foul that set up the first goal, then tallied a strike of his own to double Rangers' lead. Queen of the South fought back to tie the game, but Beasley helped write the final chapter by sending a corner kick in the direction of Kris Boyd, who fired home the winner for Rangers. The victory gave Rangers their second piece of silverware in 2008 after Walter Smith's side hoisted the League Cup in March.
NOT THE ONLY CHAMPION: Along with Beasley, two other U.S. internationals hoisted trophies in Europe this year. Oguchi Onyewu helped Standard de Liege to their first Belgian League championship in 25 years and a place in next season’s Champions League. In Denmark, defender Danny Califf captained Aalborg to their third-ever league title and the club’s first since 1999. The team tore through the Superligaen, collecting the fourth-most points in league history while setting club records for points, goals and away victories.
EURO ROUNDUP: The group of MNT pool players who are on the books of European teams is continually growing. As exemplified by Bob Bradley's roster of players for the England game, today's U.S. team boasts professionals who are searching increasingly farther and wider for the opportunities afforded by playing abroad. For all the players currently in camp, the 2007-08 season in Europe is now a closed book. Between the 15 players that played in seven different leagues, there were varying degrees of success. Click here to share in the triumphs and disappointments of the MNT’s adventures abroad.
STUDIO 90 – UK EDITION: U.S. Soccer’s web newscast has truly gone international this week, reporting on the MNT from outside London while picking up stories on the U-23 MNT’s action at the Toulon International Tournament in France and keeping an eye on the future at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s Spring Showcase in Rockford, Ill. The second edition of the show this week takes a look at the new Nike SPARQ testing at the Development Academy Showcase, harkens back to the USA’s last victory against England and features an exclusive one-on-one interview with U.S. head coach Bob Bradley, who gives his thoughts on the upcoming opportunity to face England and walk into a bit of history at famed Wembley Stadium. Get a taste of the sights and sounds from London on the newest edition of Studio 90.
ALL_ACCESS VIDEO: USA-ENGLAND PRIMER: While the meetings may not be many, the memories are substantial for the matches between the United States and England. The first-ever match between the footballing nations is by far the most memorable on both sides of the Atlantic. Joe Gaetjens delivered the second 'shot heard around the world' between the countries, scoring the only goal in the USA's shock 1-0 defeat of England at the 1950 World Cup. England claimed the next four results before the U.S. fired back on home soil, once again stunning the world with a 2-0 win in Boston on June 9, 1993. In its first match following the successful 1994 World Cup, the USA made its first and only visit to Wembley Stadium a year later. To learn more about the history of the series and get a preview of the USA’s approach to this match and the summer schedule, watch this exclusive all_access video.
ENGLAND REBUILDING: Established in 1872, the English FA is the oldest national association in the world. England has appeared in the World Cup finals 12 times, and is one of only seven nations to capture the World Cup title, lifting the trophy in 1966 on home soil. Recently, however, England has undertaken a rebuilding process. After failing in their qualification for Euro 2008, England have handed the reins to Fabio Capello and charged the bespectacled Italian with leading the team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In his first two games at the helm, Capello is 1-1-0 having defeated Switzerland at Wembley in February before falling to France in March.
CAPELLO'S CAREER: The dismissal of Steve McClaren in late 2007 brought on a worldwide search for what is widely seen as one of the toughest jobs in world football: manager of England. All sorts of names were linked with the position before the FA turned to Fabio Capello. No stranger to high-pressure coaching positions, Capello captured the 1994 Champions League title with AC Milan and enjoyed successful stints at the helm of Roma and Juventus. Most recently, he guided Real Madrid to the 2006-07 La Liga crown before taking the job in England.
CALLED IN: Capello has turned to the usual assortment of big names for England's upcoming friendlies against the U.S. and Trinidad & Tobago. His initial squad of 31 players has been trimmed slightly by the loss of Michael Owen (Newcastle United) and Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur) pulling out due to illness and injury, respectively. Capello has also replaced Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic) with young goalkeeper Joe Lewis (Peterborough) due to the former's strained back. Four players from newly crowned Champions League titleholders Manchester United joined up with the England side on Saturday, as Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney reported for national team duty. Runners up Chelsea offered five players to Capello's squad: Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, and John Terry.
England Roster vs. USA
GOALKEEPERS (3): Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Joe Lewis (Peterborough)
DEFENDERS (10): Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough)
MIDFIELDERS (11): Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), David Bentley (Blackburn), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (5): Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Dean Ashton (West Ham), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
ON DECK- SPAIN AND ARGENTINA: Following the friendly at Wembley, the U.S. will head to the north coast of Spain in preparation for a June 4 friendly against fourth-ranked Spain at the Estadio El Sardinero in Santander. Managed by Luis Aragones, Spain has qualified for Euro 2008 and has been drawn into Group D of the tournament with Russia, Greece and Sweden. Boasting a wealth of talent and experience, the Spaniards are led by Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, whose 24 goals in the English Premier League this season set a record for the most goals by a foreigner in his debut season in the EPL.
Spain Roster vs. USA
GOALKEEPERS(3): Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Andres Palop (Sevilla), Pepe Reina (Liverpool, England)
DEFENDERS (8): Raul Albiol (Valencia), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool, England), Joan Capdevilla (Villarreal), Juanito (Real Betis), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Fernando Navarro (Real Mallorca), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid),
MIDFIELDERS (8): Xabi Alonso (Liverpool, England), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Ruben de la Red (Getafe), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, England), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona),
FORWARDS (4): Sergio Garcia (Real Zaragoza), Daniel Guiza (Real Mallorca), Fernando Torres (Liverpool, England), David Villa (Valencia)
The U.S. team will travel back across the pond to face No. 1 ranked Argentina on June 8 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J (tickets). More than 50,000 tickets have been sold for the USA’s second meeting with the Albiceleste in less than a year. Alfio Basile named a nearly full strength side for the friendly against the U.S., as well as the game against Mexico on June 4 in San Diego on June. Argentina are preparing for the resumption of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying, hosting Ecuador on June 15 before their showdown with regional rivals Brazil on June 18 in Belo Horizonte.
Argentina Roster vs. USA:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe), Oscar Ustari (Getafe)
DEFENDERS (6): Nicolás Burdisso (Inter Milan), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Gonzalo Rodríguez (Villarreal), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Éver Banega (Valencia), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Jonás Gutiérrez (Mallorca), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) Maximiliano Rodríguez (Atléico Madrid), José Sosa (Bayern Munich), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol),
FORWARDS (5): Fernando Cavenaghi (Bordeaux), Julio Cruz (Inter Milan), Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro López (Porto), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
AND THEN THE GAMES THAT MATTER: For all the hype and challenge of the trio of friendlies, they merely set the table for the most important matches of the year to date. The U.S. opens qualifying play for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in a Second Round series with Barbados that begins Sunday, June 15, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. (tickets).
Kickoff for the first leg of the series is set for 2 p.m. PT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Galavision. The second leg will be played on June 22 in Barbados, with details still to be finalized. Barbados will warm up with two friendlies on June 6 and June 9 away to Bermuda. Their hosts have also earned their way into the second round of qualifying where they will take on Trinidad & Tobago.
LAST TIME…
On the field for the USA
March 26, 2008 – Wisla Stadium, Krakow, Poland – International Friendly
USA 3 Carlos Bocanegra 29', Oguchi Onyewu 35', Eddie Lewis 73'
Poland 0
USA: 1-Tim Howard; 6-Steve Cherundolo (17-Jonathan Spector, 72), 22-Oguchi Onyewu (23-Jay DeMerit, 63), 3-Carlos Bocanegra (Capt.), 5-Heath Pearce (20-Benny Feilhaber, 85); 10-Landon Donovan (7-Eddie Lewis, 64) 13-Ricardo Clark, 4-Michael Bradley, 8-Clint Dempsey; 11-Brian Ching (16-Josh Wolff, 63), 9-Eddie Johnson
Subs not used: 24-Marcus Hahnemann, 12-Cory Gibbs
Head Coach: Bob Bradley
POL: 1-Artur Boruc; 13-Marcin Wasilewski, 6-Jacek Bak, 16-Arkadiusz Radomski (19-Michal Golinski, 63), 3-Grzegorz Bronowicki; 21-Lukasz Piszczek (17-Wojciech Lobodzinski, 46), 18-Mariusz Lewandowski, 5-Dariusz Dudka, 8-Jacek Krzynowek (7-Euzebiusz Smolarek, 46); 9-Maciej Zurawski (10-Lukasz Gargula, 46), 20-Pawel Brozek (11-Radolsaw Matusiak, 46)
Subs not used: 2-Mariusz Jop, 4-Pawel Golanski, 12-Tomasz Kuszczak, 15-Michal Pazdan
Head Coach: Leo Beenhakker
On the field for England
March 26, 2008 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – International Friendly
France 1 Franck Ribery, 32' (pen)
England 0
FRA: 23-Gregory Coupet; 5-William Gallas, 3 Eric Abidal, 15-Lilian Thuram (c), 13- Francois Clerc; 22-Franck Ribery, 6-Claude Makelele, 8-Jeremy Toulalan, 7-Florent Malouda; 20-David Trezeguet (10-Sidney Govou, 62), 39-Nicolas Anelka (9-Djibril Cisse, 79)
Subs not used: 1-Mickael Landreau; 4-Philippe Mexes, 17-Sebastien Squillaci, 27-Patrice Evra; 18-Alou Diarra, 21-Mathieu Flamini
Head Coach: Raymond Domenech
ENG: 1-David James; 2-Wes Brown (13-Glen Johnson, 62), 5-Rio Ferdinand (capt.), 6-John Terry (14-Joleon Lescott, 46), 3-Ashley Cole; 7-David Beckham (16-David Bentley, 62), 4-Owen Hargreaves, 8-Gareth Barry, 10-Steven Gerrard (19-Peter Crouch, 46), 11-Joe Cole (17-Stewart Downing, 46); 9-Wayne Rooney (18-Michael Owen, 46)
Subs not used: 12-Paul Robinson, 21-Robert Green; 15-Wayne Bridge; 20-Theo Walcott
Head Coach: Fabio Capello
Vs. England
May 28, 2005 – Soldier Field, Chicago – International Friendly
USA 1 Clint Dempsey 48’
England 2 Kieran Richardson 4', 44'
USA: 18-Kasey Keller (capt.); 2-Steve Cherundolo, 23-Eddie Pope (4-Carlos Bocanegra, 73), 12-Cory Gibbs, 21-Greg Vanney; 14-Steve Ralston (15-Bobby Convey, 73), 2 5-Kerry Zavagnin, 2-Clint Dempsey (19-Clyde Simms, 91+); 10-Landon Donovan; 16-Josh Wolff, 20-Brian McBride (11-Conor Casey, 81)
Subs not used: 1-Marcus Hahnemann, 3-Gregg Berhalter, 8-Jonathan Spector
Head Coach: Bruce Arena
ENG: 1-David James; 2-Glen Johnson, 5-Wes Brown, 6-Sol Campbell (capt.) (15-Zat Knight, 46), 3-Ashley Cole (16-Jermain Defoe, 63); 7-Jermaine Jenas, 4-Michael Carrick, 11-Joe Cole, 8-Kieran Richardson (14-Phil Neville, 59); 9-Alan Smith, 10-Andy Johnson (12-Luke Young, 76)
Subs not used: 13-Robert Green, 16-Jermain Defoe, 17-Peter Crouch, 22-Scott Carson
Head Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson
U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
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U.S. MNT vs. England Notes
London, England
May 27, 2008
READY FOR ACTION: The U.S. has settled into England and is ready for action as the majority of the U.S. roster arrived in London on May 22, with the remainder of the group filtering in ahead of Wednesday's game. Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark landed Saturday, followed by DaMarcus Beasley and Danny Califf the next day. The MLS contingent of Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Brad Guzan and Frankie Hejduk all joined up with the group on Memorial Day. Kickoff for Wednesday, May 28, is slated for 8 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET), and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN Classic and via tape delay on Galavision at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Fans can also follow the match live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
QUICK HITS
-Benny Feilhaber (torn meniscus) has been replaced on the roster by Toronto FC midfielder Maurice Edu. Hejduk has been called up for defensive cover as Jonathan Spector (hip) has been unable to train and is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game.
-The U.S. holds a 2-6-0 lifetime record against England, and were defeated in their only visit to London in a 2-0 loss on June 4, 1994, at Wembley Stadium.
-The lone U.S. victory at home came June 9, 1993, a 2-0 win in Foxborough during U.S. Cup ’93. Thomas Dooley and his replacement Alexi Lalas scored for the United States, handing the U.S. their second-ever win against the Three Lions.
-The game on Wednesday will take place three years to the day after the team's last meeting, a 2-1 victory for England on May 28, 2005, in Chicago.
-A number of players on both rosters were on the field that day, including a young Clint Dempsey who recorded his first international goal in his sixth appearance for the United States. From the home side: Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey (1), Landon Donovan, and Josh Wolff. On the field for England: Wes Brown, Ashley Cole, Jermain Defoe, David James, and Glen Johnson (starters in bold). Additionally, Liverpool striker Peter Crouch served as an unused substitute.
-Of the players named to Bob Bradley’s team, only Ricardo Clark and Landon Donovan have appeared in all three games thus far for the U.S in 2008, and as starters to boot.
-Donovan has already notched a team-leading five points from one goal and three assists.
-Donovan became the U.S. all-time leading scorer earlier this year when he netted a penalty against Sweden on Jan. 19 to take his career tally to 35 goals. Netting the game-winner in front of his home fans at The Home Depot Center, the 26-year-old surpassed Eric Wynalda to grab sole possession of the top spot. Re-live all of Donovan’s 35 goals with ussoccer.com’s interactive video chart.
-Bob Bradley is looking to mark his second year in charge with a similar undefeated streak to the one the team enjoyed last year. In 2007, the U.S. went 11 games before losing on June 28 against Argentina in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The 4-1 loss in the opening game of Copa America marked the first defeat under Bradley, who compiled a 10-0-1 record prior to that time. Bradley is the first coach in U.S. history to record victories in his first three matches in charge, and is currently riding a five-match unbeaten run that dates back to a 1-0 victory against Switzerland on Oct. 17, 2007, in Basel. With a win or a tie against England, the U.S. can start its first four games of the year unbeaten for the third time in the last four years.
-U.S. forward Josh Wolff reached a half-century of caps with the United States when he made a second half appearance in the USA’s 3-0 win against Poland on March 26 in Krakow. The former Chicago Fire and Kansas City Wizards forward, who made his international debut in 1999, appeared in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups for the United States, setting up Brian McBride’s game-winning goal in the historic 2-0 victory against Mexico on June 17, 2002, in Jeonju, Korea.
-A total of 14 players on the current roster appeared in the victory against Poland in March, which, combined with the victory against Switzerland, marked the first back-to-back victories on European soil in team history. The squad: Carlos Bocanegra (1) – capt., Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, Ricardo Clark, Jay DeMerit, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Eddie Johnson, Eddie Lewis (1), Oguchi Onyewu (1), Heath Pearce, Jonathan Spector, Josh Wolff (starters in bold).
-When Onyewu powered home a drive from seven yards out against Poland, he recorded the fourth goal of his career, and marked his first ever time scoring in back-to-back games. It may also be the only time in his career that he is the second leading scorer for the U.S. team.
-With the victory against Poland, the U.S. climbed above the .500 mark for the second time in Bob Bradley's reign. The U.S. last rose above the .500 mark during the 2007 Gold Cup, when victories against Canada and Mexico elevated the U.S. to two games above even. Subsequent losses dropped the U.S. below .500, but with the victory in Krakow the U.S. eclipsed the even mark for only the second time since 1937.
-U.S. MNT Assistant Mike Sorber is the only member of the U.S. contingent who was involved the USA’s first and only match in England. Appearing in the team’s first match since the conclusion of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the former U.S. international went 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat on September 7, 1994.
DONOVAN SET TO JOIN THE CENTURY CLUB: Should Landon Donovan play in the match against England, he will add another remarkable statistic to his already impressive international résumé by becoming the fourth youngest male player of all-time to earn 100 caps. Only 10 other U.S. players have achieved that mark, with Kasey Keller being the most recent player to reach 100 appearances when he minded the net during last year’s Gold Cup semifinal victory against Canada. Cobi Jones remains the USA’s all-time capwinner with 164 appearances – still good for fourth most in the world - while Marcelo Balboa holds the distinction of become the first U.S. player, either male or female, to join the century club.
Youngest 100 Cap Winners
Name Nationality Birthdate 100th Cap Age (Years, Months, Days)
1. Cha Bum-Kun South Korea 5/22/1953 10/9/1977 24, 4, 17
2. Sami Al-Jaber Saudi Arabia 12/11/1972 5/27/1998 25, 5, 16
3. Mohammed Al-Dyeayea Saudi Arabia 8/2/1972 6/3/1998 25, 10, 1
4. Mohammed Al-Khilaiwi Saudi Arabia 5/24/1971 9/27/1998 27, 4, 3
5. Cobi Jones USA 6/16/1970 2/10/1998 27, 7, 25
U.S. 100 Cap Winners
Name Caps Goals (SO) Era
1. Cobi Jones 164 15 1992-2004
2. Jeff Agoos 134 4 1988-2003
3. Marcelo Balboa 128 13 1988-2000
4. Claudio Reyna 112 8 1994-2006
5. Paul Caligiuri 110 5 1984-1998
6. Eric Wynalda 106 34 1990-2000
7. Kasey Keller 102 (47) 1990-
8. Earnie Stewart 101 17 1990-2004
9. Tony Meola 100 (32) 1988-2006
10. Joe-Max Moore 100 24 1992-2002
LANDON TOPS THE U.S. SCORING CHARTS: Landon has already recorded his name in the record books once this year, reaching the summit of the USA’s all-time goalscoring list. His game-winner in the 2-0 victory against Sweden on January 20 increased his career total to 35 goals in international play, pushing him past Eric Wynalda for the all-time lead. “I wouldn’t classify it as important but it’s something that I’m very proud of,” said Donovan of the record. “More so than scoring goals, being part of the team for a long time is something I’m proud of. For me, the most important part of any game is helping the team get a victory.” To view all 35 of Landon’s goals, click here.
AND THE MLS, WHILE HE’S AT IT: Donovan is also lighting it up in MLS, currently leading the league in both goals (9) and assists (6). Donovan was all over the scoresheet again this weekend, converting from the penalty spot in the Galaxy's 3-1 victory against Kansas City before setting up teammate Edson Buddle for the game-winner. Former U.S. international Roy Lassiter holds the record for most goals in a season with 27, a mark he achieved in 1996 with the Tampa Bay Mutiny. The assists record is held by three-time World Cup veteran Carlos Valderrama. The Colombian tallied 26 assists in 2000, also with the Mutiny. In the 13-year history of MLS, no player has simultaneously finished atop both the goals and assists charts.
ON A ROLL: The U.S. enters the summer stretch riding a string of success, unbeaten in the last five matches and holding a 4-0-1 record during the run. The streak includes the USA’s first-ever back-to-back wins on European soil, a Michael Bradley goal delivering a 1-0 win against Switzerland on Oct. 17, 2007, in Basel before Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu and Eddie Lewis paced the U.S. to a comprehensive 3-0 win against Poland on March 26 in Krakow. Adding in the 1-0 victory against South Africa in Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup, the U.S. has also collected three consecutive road victories for the first time in team history.
DAMARCUS DOES ‘THE DOUBLE’: DaMarcus Beasley returned to the Rangers' starting lineup for the first time since November and made his return in style, playing a vital role in the Glasgow club's 3-2 victory against Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup Final on May 24 at Hampden Park. Beasley drew the foul that set up the first goal, then tallied a strike of his own to double Rangers' lead. Queen of the South fought back to tie the game, but Beasley helped write the final chapter by sending a corner kick in the direction of Kris Boyd, who fired home the winner for Rangers. The victory gave Rangers their second piece of silverware in 2008 after Walter Smith's side hoisted the League Cup in March.
NOT THE ONLY CHAMPION: Along with Beasley, two other U.S. internationals hoisted trophies in Europe this year. Oguchi Onyewu helped Standard de Liege to their first Belgian League championship in 25 years and a place in next season’s Champions League. In Denmark, defender Danny Califf captained Aalborg to their third-ever league title and the club’s first since 1999. The team tore through the Superligaen, collecting the fourth-most points in league history while setting club records for points, goals and away victories.
EURO ROUNDUP: The group of MNT pool players who are on the books of European teams is continually growing. As exemplified by Bob Bradley's roster of players for the England game, today's U.S. team boasts professionals who are searching increasingly farther and wider for the opportunities afforded by playing abroad. For all the players currently in camp, the 2007-08 season in Europe is now a closed book. Between the 15 players that played in seven different leagues, there were varying degrees of success. Click here to share in the triumphs and disappointments of the MNT’s adventures abroad.
STUDIO 90 – UK EDITION: U.S. Soccer’s web newscast has truly gone international this week, reporting on the MNT from outside London while picking up stories on the U-23 MNT’s action at the Toulon International Tournament in France and keeping an eye on the future at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s Spring Showcase in Rockford, Ill. The second edition of the show this week takes a look at the new Nike SPARQ testing at the Development Academy Showcase, harkens back to the USA’s last victory against England and features an exclusive one-on-one interview with U.S. head coach Bob Bradley, who gives his thoughts on the upcoming opportunity to face England and walk into a bit of history at famed Wembley Stadium. Get a taste of the sights and sounds from London on the newest edition of Studio 90.
ALL_ACCESS VIDEO: USA-ENGLAND PRIMER: While the meetings may not be many, the memories are substantial for the matches between the United States and England. The first-ever match between the footballing nations is by far the most memorable on both sides of the Atlantic. Joe Gaetjens delivered the second 'shot heard around the world' between the countries, scoring the only goal in the USA's shock 1-0 defeat of England at the 1950 World Cup. England claimed the next four results before the U.S. fired back on home soil, once again stunning the world with a 2-0 win in Boston on June 9, 1993. In its first match following the successful 1994 World Cup, the USA made its first and only visit to Wembley Stadium a year later. To learn more about the history of the series and get a preview of the USA’s approach to this match and the summer schedule, watch this exclusive all_access video.
ENGLAND REBUILDING: Established in 1872, the English FA is the oldest national association in the world. England has appeared in the World Cup finals 12 times, and is one of only seven nations to capture the World Cup title, lifting the trophy in 1966 on home soil. Recently, however, England has undertaken a rebuilding process. After failing in their qualification for Euro 2008, England have handed the reins to Fabio Capello and charged the bespectacled Italian with leading the team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In his first two games at the helm, Capello is 1-1-0 having defeated Switzerland at Wembley in February before falling to France in March.
CAPELLO'S CAREER: The dismissal of Steve McClaren in late 2007 brought on a worldwide search for what is widely seen as one of the toughest jobs in world football: manager of England. All sorts of names were linked with the position before the FA turned to Fabio Capello. No stranger to high-pressure coaching positions, Capello captured the 1994 Champions League title with AC Milan and enjoyed successful stints at the helm of Roma and Juventus. Most recently, he guided Real Madrid to the 2006-07 La Liga crown before taking the job in England.
CALLED IN: Capello has turned to the usual assortment of big names for England's upcoming friendlies against the U.S. and Trinidad & Tobago. His initial squad of 31 players has been trimmed slightly by the loss of Michael Owen (Newcastle United) and Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur) pulling out due to illness and injury, respectively. Capello has also replaced Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic) with young goalkeeper Joe Lewis (Peterborough) due to the former's strained back. Four players from newly crowned Champions League titleholders Manchester United joined up with the England side on Saturday, as Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney reported for national team duty. Runners up Chelsea offered five players to Capello's squad: Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, and John Terry.
England Roster vs. USA
GOALKEEPERS (3): Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Joe Lewis (Peterborough)
DEFENDERS (10): Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough)
MIDFIELDERS (11): Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), David Bentley (Blackburn), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (5): Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Dean Ashton (West Ham), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
ON DECK- SPAIN AND ARGENTINA: Following the friendly at Wembley, the U.S. will head to the north coast of Spain in preparation for a June 4 friendly against fourth-ranked Spain at the Estadio El Sardinero in Santander. Managed by Luis Aragones, Spain has qualified for Euro 2008 and has been drawn into Group D of the tournament with Russia, Greece and Sweden. Boasting a wealth of talent and experience, the Spaniards are led by Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, whose 24 goals in the English Premier League this season set a record for the most goals by a foreigner in his debut season in the EPL.
Spain Roster vs. USA
GOALKEEPERS(3): Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Andres Palop (Sevilla), Pepe Reina (Liverpool, England)
DEFENDERS (8): Raul Albiol (Valencia), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool, England), Joan Capdevilla (Villarreal), Juanito (Real Betis), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Fernando Navarro (Real Mallorca), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid),
MIDFIELDERS (8): Xabi Alonso (Liverpool, England), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Ruben de la Red (Getafe), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, England), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona),
FORWARDS (4): Sergio Garcia (Real Zaragoza), Daniel Guiza (Real Mallorca), Fernando Torres (Liverpool, England), David Villa (Valencia)
The U.S. team will travel back across the pond to face No. 1 ranked Argentina on June 8 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J (tickets). More than 50,000 tickets have been sold for the USA’s second meeting with the Albiceleste in less than a year. Alfio Basile named a nearly full strength side for the friendly against the U.S., as well as the game against Mexico on June 4 in San Diego on June. Argentina are preparing for the resumption of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying, hosting Ecuador on June 15 before their showdown with regional rivals Brazil on June 18 in Belo Horizonte.
Argentina Roster vs. USA:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe), Oscar Ustari (Getafe)
DEFENDERS (6): Nicolás Burdisso (Inter Milan), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Gonzalo Rodríguez (Villarreal), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Éver Banega (Valencia), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Jonás Gutiérrez (Mallorca), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) Maximiliano Rodríguez (Atléico Madrid), José Sosa (Bayern Munich), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol),
FORWARDS (5): Fernando Cavenaghi (Bordeaux), Julio Cruz (Inter Milan), Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro López (Porto), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
AND THEN THE GAMES THAT MATTER: For all the hype and challenge of the trio of friendlies, they merely set the table for the most important matches of the year to date. The U.S. opens qualifying play for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in a Second Round series with Barbados that begins Sunday, June 15, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. (tickets).
Kickoff for the first leg of the series is set for 2 p.m. PT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Galavision. The second leg will be played on June 22 in Barbados, with details still to be finalized. Barbados will warm up with two friendlies on June 6 and June 9 away to Bermuda. Their hosts have also earned their way into the second round of qualifying where they will take on Trinidad & Tobago.
LAST TIME…
On the field for the USA
March 26, 2008 – Wisla Stadium, Krakow, Poland – International Friendly
USA 3 Carlos Bocanegra 29', Oguchi Onyewu 35', Eddie Lewis 73'
Poland 0
USA: 1-Tim Howard; 6-Steve Cherundolo (17-Jonathan Spector, 72), 22-Oguchi Onyewu (23-Jay DeMerit, 63), 3-Carlos Bocanegra (Capt.), 5-Heath Pearce (20-Benny Feilhaber, 85); 10-Landon Donovan (7-Eddie Lewis, 64) 13-Ricardo Clark, 4-Michael Bradley, 8-Clint Dempsey; 11-Brian Ching (16-Josh Wolff, 63), 9-Eddie Johnson
Subs not used: 24-Marcus Hahnemann, 12-Cory Gibbs
Head Coach: Bob Bradley
POL: 1-Artur Boruc; 13-Marcin Wasilewski, 6-Jacek Bak, 16-Arkadiusz Radomski (19-Michal Golinski, 63), 3-Grzegorz Bronowicki; 21-Lukasz Piszczek (17-Wojciech Lobodzinski, 46), 18-Mariusz Lewandowski, 5-Dariusz Dudka, 8-Jacek Krzynowek (7-Euzebiusz Smolarek, 46); 9-Maciej Zurawski (10-Lukasz Gargula, 46), 20-Pawel Brozek (11-Radolsaw Matusiak, 46)
Subs not used: 2-Mariusz Jop, 4-Pawel Golanski, 12-Tomasz Kuszczak, 15-Michal Pazdan
Head Coach: Leo Beenhakker
On the field for England
March 26, 2008 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – International Friendly
France 1 Franck Ribery, 32' (pen)
England 0
FRA: 23-Gregory Coupet; 5-William Gallas, 3 Eric Abidal, 15-Lilian Thuram (c), 13- Francois Clerc; 22-Franck Ribery, 6-Claude Makelele, 8-Jeremy Toulalan, 7-Florent Malouda; 20-David Trezeguet (10-Sidney Govou, 62), 39-Nicolas Anelka (9-Djibril Cisse, 79)
Subs not used: 1-Mickael Landreau; 4-Philippe Mexes, 17-Sebastien Squillaci, 27-Patrice Evra; 18-Alou Diarra, 21-Mathieu Flamini
Head Coach: Raymond Domenech
ENG: 1-David James; 2-Wes Brown (13-Glen Johnson, 62), 5-Rio Ferdinand (capt.), 6-John Terry (14-Joleon Lescott, 46), 3-Ashley Cole; 7-David Beckham (16-David Bentley, 62), 4-Owen Hargreaves, 8-Gareth Barry, 10-Steven Gerrard (19-Peter Crouch, 46), 11-Joe Cole (17-Stewart Downing, 46); 9-Wayne Rooney (18-Michael Owen, 46)
Subs not used: 12-Paul Robinson, 21-Robert Green; 15-Wayne Bridge; 20-Theo Walcott
Head Coach: Fabio Capello
Vs. England
May 28, 2005 – Soldier Field, Chicago – International Friendly
USA 1 Clint Dempsey 48’
England 2 Kieran Richardson 4', 44'
USA: 18-Kasey Keller (capt.); 2-Steve Cherundolo, 23-Eddie Pope (4-Carlos Bocanegra, 73), 12-Cory Gibbs, 21-Greg Vanney; 14-Steve Ralston (15-Bobby Convey, 73), 2 5-Kerry Zavagnin, 2-Clint Dempsey (19-Clyde Simms, 91+); 10-Landon Donovan; 16-Josh Wolff, 20-Brian McBride (11-Conor Casey, 81)
Subs not used: 1-Marcus Hahnemann, 3-Gregg Berhalter, 8-Jonathan Spector
Head Coach: Bruce Arena
ENG: 1-David James; 2-Glen Johnson, 5-Wes Brown, 6-Sol Campbell (capt.) (15-Zat Knight, 46), 3-Ashley Cole (16-Jermain Defoe, 63); 7-Jermaine Jenas, 4-Michael Carrick, 11-Joe Cole, 8-Kieran Richardson (14-Phil Neville, 59); 9-Alan Smith, 10-Andy Johnson (12-Luke Young, 76)
Subs not used: 13-Robert Green, 16-Jermain Defoe, 17-Peter Crouch, 22-Scott Carson
Head Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson
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