Michael Bradley, A True U.S. Soccer Icon
It truly is the end of a U.S. Men’s National Team era. Current Toronto FC and former U.S. men's international midfielder Michael Bradley is retiring from professional soccer. Yes, his time with the U.S. Men’s National Team and that “era” of player has been over for a while. But, the era that included the likes of; himself, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson, Graham Zusi, Matt Besler, Geoff Cameron, Kyle Beckerman, Ale Bedoya, and a few others was truly a special one for U.S. soccer. Not only did this group win trophies within CONCACAF, represent the U.S. at multiple World Cups (depending on the player), but this group inspired a generation of soccer players and fans alike. The likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Matt Turner, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, and other current domestic born U.S. talents may not have that same passion for the game without that previous generation. The current crop of U.S. soccer fans that are filling MLS, NWSL, and USL stadiums alike maybe aren’t as passionate about the game of soccer without that core. That previous “core” includes very much the likes of Michael Bradley.
Being the child of such a famous figure in whatever field you are talking about is always tough. You get the narratives that you were “handed opportunities”, “didn’t have to work as hard”, or you “don’t deserve to be here”. Those narratives did circle around the figure of Michael Bradley as he came up in the world of U.S. soccer with his father (Bob) being a very well known commodity/coach. But, Michael Bradley overcame those narratives, working his tail off and paving his own fantastic career. He would be selected 36th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (which were being managed at the time by his father). Fighting through a season long injury his rookie year, he was then able to pave a career in New York/New Jersey that consisted of 32 appearances, 1 goal, 4 assists, and 2,800 minutes played. Bradley then made history as his journey continued to Europe. He would become the then youngest MLS player to ever be sold when he was sent to the Eredivisie for roughly $250,000.
Bradley’s time in Europe started with almost immediate success in the Netherlands. The young American would play in 69 total games for SC Heerenveen, recording 18 goals and 9 assists across his 4,545 minutes there. Bradley would get the upgrade in league status after success in Holland, signing for historic German side Borussia Monchengladbach. The time for the German giants wasn’t always the best with some managerial arguments over playing time. However, his time in Germany was an overall success and Bradley’s profile did grow! After 81 games, about 6,700 minutes, 11 goals, and 4 assists, Bradley would take on his next battle… the English Premier League. The young American would go on loan to English side Aston Villa where he did find arguably the most trouble of his career. After half a season in England and only 4 appearances for Villa, Bradley would not remain at the club or return to Germany. His career path had its eyes set on another top league in Europe, the Italian Serie A. He would be sold to Chievo Verona during the summer of 2011 to hopefully find some form again. After impressing as “The General” for a total of 36 games and roughly 3,000 minutes, Bradley caught the attention of new Roma manager Zdenek Zeman and would move to the Italian giants. He would go on to make a total of 46 appearances at Roma, scoring 2 goals and 2 assists across 3,237 minutes. I personally feel that most fans of the game my age would remember his time in Europe being with Roma the most. This could possibly be because I grew up in the New York metro area, aka, the Italian-American center of the United States. So for me, growing up and seeing a Michael Bradley Roma jersey was not uncommon.
You can’t keep an American away from home for too long though. Michael Bradley would make his return to Major League Soccer in January of 2014 when Roma sold him to Toronto FC for $10 million. Bradley would play his most professional minutes and games with Toronto FC from that 2014 season to present day. We will now see him play his final game for this club during this upcoming Decision Day. He also has won all of his professional club trophies with Toronto FC, racking up; 4 Canadian Championship titles, 1 Supporters’ Shield, and 1 MLS Cup title. Bradley currently has 307 games, 27,395 minutes, 18 goals, and 41 assists for Toronto FC, and I’m sure this man will get a standing ovation this upcoming Saturday. Seeing him walk off the field during whatever point he gets subbed out will honestly bring a tear to my eye. This man was part of THE squad that got me into soccer and I can’t thank him enough for that.
Bradley did also do, I personally believe, most of his influence on U.S. soccer during his time with the national team. He would help prepare the 2006 World Cup squad in some training camps and also be named an alternate to the squad as just a teenager. He was named as a starter and a key figure in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, helping win that competition over Mexico. He scored goals against Mexico in World Cup qualifying in 2009. Developed into a key figure in the U.S. 's surprise run to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final. Would continue to be a leading figure for this team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Finally, he would win his second trophy with the USMNT during the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Bradley is a U.S. soccer legend as he has been capped 151 times, scoring 17 goals, and recording 21 assists. Bradley is also one of 3 players to have more than 150 caps for the U.S. (Cobi Jones and Landon Donovan the other two).
As with times for any player during their career, times were not always the best. But the games when Michael Bradley was roaming around the USMNT’s midfield gathered so many amazing memories. Special goals scored, trophies lifted, and smiles on the face of that beautiful bald headed man from New Jersey. Thank you Michael, I truly hope you can sit back at the end of the day and reflect that you helped change the game here in the United States.
I am not sure how long these links will remain up on social media, but here is just a few of my favorite Michael Bradley moments:
-Goal From Distance In Mexico: https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1459293623242002432?s=20
-Banger Against Scotland: https://x.com/arlowhite/status/1265658190957547524?s=20
-His Lone World Cup Goal (Goal vs Slovenia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxs5TzXQWT4
-His Assist To Julian Green vs Belgium At 2014 World Cup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piw48lZhsDA
