Home farewell for Fire's McBride
Brian McBride took the pitch for the last time at Toyota Park, escorted by his wife and children, while sporting the captain's armband. McBride's 17-year career wraps up next week, but Saturday marked his final home appearance.
Despite attempts by McBride, the Fire ended in a 0-0 draw with D.C. United.
“We're going to miss a player like that in the locker room, Fire defender C.J. Brown said. “He's going to be missed in soccer in general. He's a guy who's a true professional. He's always in shape. He trains hard. He's a true family man, and a very classy guy.
As with every game he's played in his storied career, McBride threw everything he had at D.C. United. A striker who is known for putting his body in harm's way, McBride had a good look in the 16th minute.
He ran toward goal and blasted a shot into the right side of the net, but the play was ruled offside. McBride shot the ball wide right in the 44th minute. Two minutes later McBride jumped for a header, forcing United goalkeeper Troy Perkins to knock it out of bounds.
D.C. United turned up the heat in the second half, causing Fire goalkeeper Andrew Dystra to make 3 saves. The Fire had just 1 attempt in the second half, when Calen Carr rocketed a shot toward goal in the 89th minute. Perkins made the save.
McBride was fouled over and over again in the match. When D.C. defender Jed Zayner went down in the 87th minute, McBride called the trainers over, along with the referee.
At the same time the linesman called for McBride to exit the game for Carr. McBride left to a standing ovation, waving to the crowd, shaking hands and hugging players as he exited his home pitch for the last time.
Fireworks boomed throughout the stadium as one of the country's best players neared his retirement.
“Today was a great day for myself and my family, McBride said. “I'm happy. I am very blessed to have been able to play this game for as long as I have. I don't know what's next. I'm not shutting any doors.
The Buffalo Grove High alum started his MLS career in 1996, when he was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the inaugural draft.
McBride has played for the Columbus Crew and the Fire. He has started 219 MLS matches and has 79 goals and 52 assists. McBride left MLS in 2004 to join Fulham FC, where he made 151 appearances and tallied 40 goals.
On an international level, McBride led the U.S. men's national team, earning 95 caps and 30 goals. He ranks third on the USA's list for all-time goals.
McBride joined the Fire in 2008 to close out his career in his hometown. The Arlington Heights native has notched 17 goals and 9 assists during his time in Chicago.
“It was a long ride getting me here, McBride said. “To be able to come back and play professional soccer in the city where I grew up playing and seeing all the great sports and being a part of Chicago sports is amazing.
Fire forward Patrick Nyarko said McBride has been an inspiration.
“For me it was really emotional today, Nyarko said. “He's taught me a lot. I don't think it's time for him to retire, but he said it is. It's unfortunate. He's a great guy, a great teammate and a great professional. I'm going to try to implement what he's taught me in my game.
The 38-year-old McBride will hang up his cleats for the last time next Saturday, when the Fire takes on Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center.