Today, my American Soccer Experience Shifted

Billiken, Crew, Cottager, Fire

National Team

Today, I found out that the single player most responsible for my love of this game will no longer be a professional. Brian McBride's career is over - done. He didn't play in the match here against the Chicago Fire, and for that I'm a bit sad.

But due to the odd circumstance of knowing another St. Louis Billiken I followed Brian on the National Team, and with the Columbus Crew. In fact in the earliest of years of MLS I listened to Crew games on radio when I was in the Army. Most evenings I could pick it up at night, and if I couldn't I would listen on the internet.

He was the first pick in MLS Draft history. He was an American who captained an EPL side.

For many Americans he defined what it means to be a Target Forward.

An era is over, and I'm a bit saddened. Even as I'm as excited as ever for the game here in America, it will suck to not have my favorite player wearing the MLS badge on his shoulder.

Thank you Brian, for everything that you have done for the game in this nation. May your retirement be filled with joy, family and friends.