Suburban native McBride named GM of U.S. men's soccer

U.S. Soccer on Friday afternoon announced that Brian McBride will immediately assume the new men's national team general manager position.

McBride, who lives in the Northwest suburbs and graduated from Buffalo Grove High School, will report directly to U.S. Soccer sporting director Earnie Stewart, a former national team teammate of McBride's. McBride will join coach Gregg Berhalter and the U.S. players at January camp in Bradenton, Florida.

McBride, 47, was picked from a list of 20 American and foreign candidates for the job, according to U.S. Soccer. U.S. Soccer is based in Chicago a short walk from Soldier Field.

McBride finished his playing career with the Chicago Fire.

"I am incredibly honored to once again represent the National Team and the U.S. Soccer Federation," McBride said in a federation news release. "It's critically important for everyone to understand the privilege and pride that goes with wearing the jersey, and I'm excited about the opportunity to build relationships with players and clubs that align with the philosophy and values of U.S. Soccer.

"In this position, part of my job is to work alongside Gregg and his staff in fostering a growth mentality for the USMNT and to help Earnie ensure that this mindset is present in all of our Youth National Teams. I look forward to working with Earnie and Kate Markgraf to continue the progress we have made in the last two decades."

Markgraf, the women's team general manager, played collegiately at Notre Dame and professionally with the Chicago Red Stars.

"We are thrilled to have Brian McBride assume the role as General Manager of the U.S. Men's National Team," Stewart said. "Through his impressive career as a three-time World Cup veteran and at clubs in England, Germany and the United States, he has earned the respect of his peers around the world.

"The hard-earned reputation will allow him to forge important relationships both internationally and here at home, and his understanding of the game and what it takes to succeed at the highest levels will be invaluable to our player pool and our staff."