Thank You Brad

As an American soccer fan, I was disappointed to hear earlier this week that star goalkeeper Brad Friedel is retiring from the US national team. Brad played 82 games for the USA, and will best be remembered for his magnificent performance at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea. Friedel's superb play was one of the major reasons the US advanced to the quarterfinals, our best World Cup showing since the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930. He was terrific against South Korea, making numerous huge saves and allowing the US to come away with a vital 1-1 draw. The highlight, however, was Friedel's brilliant performance against Mexico in the 2nd round, as the US earned a 2-0 victory over our most bitter rivals on the world's biggest stage. With the win, Brad became the first US goalkeeper to get a shutout at the World Cup since Frank Borghi's amazing game in the 1-0 victory over England in 1950.

Brad will continue his professional club career with English Premiership side Blackburn Rovers. I thank him for his contributions to the US National team, and wish him continued success.