I don’t typically make “best” lists. I tend to go with “favorites” because I’m a coward. 🙃
But here it is—my list of the all-time best men’s players to ever represent the Stars and Stripes (written in September of 2014), in no particular order:
- Kasey Keller
- Brad Friedel
- Tim Howard
- Tab Ramos
- Claudio Reyna
- Eric Wynalda
- John Harkes
- Landon Donovan
(anyone who knows me, understands Landon is my one true soccer love.) - Clint Dempsey
- Michael Bradley
- Brian McBride
- Eddie Pope
- Demarcus Beasley
- Steve Cherundolo
One of my all-time favorites is Cobi Jones. His durability, hustle, passion… just everything about how he played was an inspiration. I include him in the same class as any of the greats.
A solid case could be made for Jozy Altidore (another of my favorites), Alexi Lalas, Marcelo Balboa, Thomas Dooley, Joe Max-Moore, and Roy Weagerlie. But hey, it’s just one man’s list.
Lastly… I think Clint Mathis could have been an all-time great, but he faded so quickly. I absolutely loved how he played!