Former pro soccer Star Brian McBride to keynote Arlington Heights Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Retired professional soccer star and Arlington Heights native, Brian McBride, will be the keynote speaker at the 37th annual Arlington Heights Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 1. Doors open at 7 a.m. for the breakfast buffet and program at Doubletree Hotel, 75 W. Algonquin Road, in Arlington Heights.
In his remarks, McBride will talk about his involvement with soccer and the role that faith has played in his life and career.
McBride grew up in Arlington Heights. During his four years at Buffalo Grove High School, he scored 80 goals, and in his junior year, he led the Bison to the Illinois State Championship in 1988.
McBride went on to a distinguished career at Saint Louis University. In his four seasons with the NCAA Division 1 Billikens, he set school records for goals, assists, and total points, and was a 1992 second team and a 1993 first-team All-American. McBride is one of just 22 college players to be part of the 40-40 club, having both 40 goals and 40 assists in their college careers.
Beginning his professional career in 1994, McBride played both nationally and internationally for 16 years before retiring as a player for his hometown Chicago Fire in 2010, after scoring his 80th MLS goal in his final game. A fan favorite in whatever city he played for because of the pivotal goals he scored.
McBride also played on both the U.S. Men’s National team from 1996 to 2006 (becoming its fifth-highest all-time leading goal scorer with 30 goals) and the U.S. Olympic team in 2008. In recognition of his outstanding career accomplishments, McBride was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014.
After his playing career ended, McBride stayed involved in the sport as an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports and by establishing the Brian McBride Attacking Soccer Academy, based in Arlington Heights, before serving as General Manager of the U.S. Men’s National team from 2020 to 2023.
McBride, his wife, Dina, and their three daughters live in Arlington Heights and are active members of the community.
Other speakers at the prayer breakfast include Mevlüt Hilmi Cinar, president, The Niagara Foundation; Brother Peter Lamick, Vocation director, Clerics of St. Viator; David Weiner, Rotary Club president; Chuck and Teri Frankiewicz, lectors at St. James Church; and Pastor Bill Harder, Living Christ Lutheran Church.
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes will welcome participants. Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, is the emcee. Music will be performed by the New Day Presbyterian Church worship team. The Wheeling High School NJROTC will present the colors.
Lutheran Life Communities is the main sponsor of the event. Tickets are $25 per person and may be ordered and paid for on line at business.arlingtonhcc.com. Individuals and organizations may also book tables of 10 for $250.
For information contact chamber staff at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce at (847) 253-1703 or by e-mail at info@arlingtonhcc.com.