Trending Topics: Brian #McBrideFacts

Brian McBride, consistently praised for the effort he exuded on the pitch with the Columbus Crew, Everton FC, Fulham FC, the Chicago Fire, and of course the US Men’s National Team, announced he would retire from football at the end of the current MLS season. To put this into perspective for a non-US Soccer fan, Neil W. Blackmon (AFR Guest Contributor and Co-Founder of @yanksarecoming) wrote:

His specter haunts US strikers today, and his performances continue to be the high-water mark among American goal scorers. He did this without world-class talent, without blazing speed, without overwhelming physical strength. It was work-ethic and want-to. Perhaps that’s why even before South Africa one of the patented world views, fair or unfair, of the American football player was that, regardless of talent, they played the game with grit, with courage, and with a never-back-down attitude.
Indeed, no singular figure defined this image of what being an American player was all about than Brian McBride—he of the bloodied face, jersey always dirty, and pure leave-it-all-on-the-field guts. We’ll miss you Brian. We’ve already missed you. Thank you for always answering the bell. Best in your retirement.

The Twitter community also acknowledged McBride’s great impact with his respective clubs and country, creating a trending topic #McBrideFacts. They’re all ridiculous, and yet oh so respectful to the man who wore #20. Here are some of the best #McBrideFacts:

@futbolhooligan: Materazzi didn’t insult Zidane’s sister, he insulted McBride. #McBrideFacts
@usarsnl: Rafa Marquez refers to Brian McBride as “he-who-must-not-be-named.” #McBrideFacts
@adamsoucie: MLS’ pitch to Thierry Henry was 3 words: “McBride plays here.” He signed in 5 seconds flat. #McBrideFacts

(Source: cheekychip)