(Courtesy Saint Louis Athletics)
When Brian McBride enrolled in Saint Louis University at 1990, he indicated on his SLU Sports Information Questionnaire that his career goal was to “teach high school and coach.” In the 25 years since, McBride’s career path has taken him instead to the mecca of soccer in the United States – the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
McBride, along with Bob Bradley and Kristine Lilly, were inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday in San Francisco.
“This is obviously a tremendous and well-deserved honor for Brian,” SLU head coach Mike McGinty said. “You do not have to be a Chicago Fire, Fulham, or even a soccer fan to realize all the great things Brian has done for the sport. We are proud that Brian wore a Billiken uniform, and all of us associated with Saint Louis University congratulate him on entering the National Soccer Hall of Fame.”
McBride is the Billikens’ all-time leading scorer, compiling 184 points (72G, 40A) during his four-year career from 1990 to 1993. A two-time All-American, McBride was the Great Midwest Conference’s Most Valuable Player in three consecutive seasons (1991-93). At the conclusion of his senior year, he was one of three finalists for the Hermann Trophy and was runner-up for the Missouri Athletic Club’s national Player of the Year award.
Following his sensational SLU career, McBride went on to experience success at every level of professional soccer. He enjoyed an 11-year MLS career with the Columbus Crew (1996-2003) and Chicago Fire (2008-10). In addition, he played seven seasons with three different teams in England, including Fulham, where he was a captain of the English Premier League club.
McBride also starred for the U.S. National Team, earning 95 international caps and scoring 30 goals. He helped the United States capture the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup title and reach the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup – the best finish by the team in the modern era. McBride was the first American player to score goals in two different World Cups (1998 and 2002).
McBride had his No. 20 SLU jersey retired in 2002. He was voted as a member of the Billikens’ Half-Century Team in 2009, and in 2011 he returned to campus following his retirement in celebration of his career.
McBride is the fourth inductee with Billiken ties to enter the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Most recently, Al Trost was inducted in 2006. Pat McBride (no relation to Brian) was inducted in 1994, while former Saint Louis head coach Harry Keough was inducted in 1976.
