Some Good-byes to Some Good Guys

One of the hardest parts of this World Cup for me is not just the disappointment in the showing by the U.S. side, but the fact some of the key personalities responsible for establishing the U.S. on the world stage won't be getting another chance come 2010 in South Africa.

Despite the U.S. being loaded with the promise of young and, now, experienced talent, there are a handful of players who are the true veterans, the holdovers from 1998, 1994, and even 1990. These are the players most responsible for the steady climb towards respectability and competitiveness against any team, any time. In their prime now, four years will very likely remove them from the international stage.

Eddie Pope, who will hit his 33rd birthday on Christmas Eve, has been a steady defender since his National Team debut 10 years ago. Battling through some major injuries, Pope has time and time again returned to form, which is that of a smooth and athletic defender of this highest order.

At 32, Eddie Lewis will also likely age himself off the team by South Africa, but his time with the U.S. has been marked by a versatility up and down the left flank, allowed by his being left-footed. His formidable pace, pinpoint services, big assists and big goals, such as the critical goal against Mexico at Azteca Stadium (the first by a U.S. player there since 1984 and the decisive goal in the U.S. winning their qualifying group) are all things that will be missed.

Celebrating his 34th birithday in Germany during the World Cup, Brian McBride's play was certainly not that of the oldest field player on the team, which he was. To this day, McBride remains one of the world's foremost players in the air and every team the U.S. played gave him special attention, oftentimes beyond the realm of the rules, all over the field whenever the ball was flighted in his direction. McBride's work ethic and big-play abilities are going to leave big shoes to fill for the next in line, if indeed there even is such a player out there.

Kasey Keller is simply one of the world's best all-around goalkeepers, even with his 37th birthday approaching. His positional play and quickness give the U.S. a chance in every single match. This stat alone says it all: in 92 matches for the U.S., Keller has posted 44 shut-outs. Some of those shut-out victims include arch-rival Mexico, several times, Argentina (3-0) in Argentina during the legendary Copa America tournament, as well as every single CONCACAF opponent, at least once, in a World Cup qualifying match. Some more, really big, shoes to be filled.

And finally, Claudio.
You don't even notice Claudio Reyna's play much of the time. He is so smooth and makes the correct decision virtually every time with the ball, that play seems to flow seamlessly through him. Named to the 2002 World Cup All Tounament Team, Reyna is recognized the world over as America's most elegant player. A veteran since the 1994 World Cup team, Reyna leaves a glaring hole in the middle of the field of play, as well as the signature calm and presence on the ball that cannot be taught or acquired, but that one is simply gifted with from the beginning.

No, the results in Germany weren't what we, or especially these guys, wanted, or deserved. The U.S. will be back and be better. One day our team will even convince the world we belong on that biggest of stages. These guys have already earned their place there, however, alongside whatever American team finally does get that done, because they all showed us HOW it should be done.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.