1. Launches pro career with a bang
The first overall pick in the inaugural MLS draft, McBride tallied a brace in his—and the Crew's—first-ever MLS game, in which they defeated D.C. United on April 13, 1996. He went on to score a career-high 17 goals that season.
[inlinenode:317537]2. Helps end six-year drought
McBride's Crew won their first trophy in 2002 after defeating the LA Galaxy, 1-0, in the US Open Cup final in Columbus. A framed newspaper clipping of McBride celebrating the win still hangs on the press-box wall at Crew Stadium.
3. Makes USA history
McBride became the first American to score in two World Cups when he headed home the winning goal in a 3-2 defeat of Portugal on June 5, 2002. He went on to tally again in the 2-0 defeat of Mexico in the round of 16.
[inlinenode:16623]4. Becomes a Cottage legend
After finishing as Fulham's top scorer with 12 goals during the 2006-07 EPL season, McBride was awarded the club's Player of the Year honor. His legend lives on at Craven Cottage—a bar within the ground is named for him.
5. Donates his face to the cause
Widely know as a battler in the box, McBride needed three stitches after Italy's Daniele De Rossi elbowed him in the face during the group stages of the 2006 World Cup. The US earned a 1-1 tie with the eventual champions; De Rossi received a five-match ban.
6. Punishes his hometown team
On Oct. 26, 2003, the Chicago Fire took an early 2-0 lead over the Crew, but McBride and Edson Buddle responded with two goals apiece as the Crew reeled off six straight goals in a 6-2 win.
7. Scores his first Fire goal
Having joined Chicago midway through the 2008 season, McBride got to work by converting a simple tap-in for his first Fire goal against Houston on Aug. 31, 2008. Cuauhtémoc Blanco provided the assist; however, the Dynamo rallied back to win 2-1.
[inline_node:317536]8. Silences the boo-boys, almost
During the introductions for the 2008 Eastern Conference final, McBride, now playing for Chicago, endured boos and "traitor" chants from Crew fans. In the 29th minute, he nodded the Fire in front, but the Crew ran out 2-1 winners en route to winning the MLS Cup.
9. Goes on a scoring tear
McBride scored the fifth and final goal of a 5-1 Crew win over the Miami Fusion on April 18, 1998, giving him a goal in five consecutive matches for the only time in his career. He went on to score 10 goals that season.
10. Returns to national team
Two years after retiring from the Nats, McBride was named captain for the 2008 Olympic squad in Beijing. The Yanks tallied a win in their opener against Japan and managed a tie against Holland. However, a loss to Nigeria ended their tournament in the group stages.
