Brian McBride vs Eddie Pope
United States against United States. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Brian McBride
United States · 1998–2009 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in United States
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 95 · 30 goals
- Clubs
- Columbus Crew, Fulham, Chicago Fire
Fulham renamed the sports bar at Craven Cottage McBride's in June 2009, more than a year after he left, which tells you how the ground felt about a striker who headed everything that came into the box. He was the first American to score at two World Cups, once against Iran in 1998 and twice in 2002, won the 2002 Gold Cup as its best player and top scorer, and sits in the MLS All-Time Best XI. Career record: 95 caps and 30 goals for United States; club career at Columbus Crew, Fulham, Chicago Fire.
Eddie Pope
United States · 1996–2005 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in United States
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 82 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake
Ninety-four minutes into the first MLS Cup, on a flooded Foxborough pitch on 20 October 1996, the 22-year-old rookie met Marco Etcheverry's corner with his head and won it for D.C. United after they had trailed 2-0. Two more MLS Cups followed at D.C. United, with two Supporters' Shields, the 1998 Concacaf Champions' Cup and Copa Interamericana, then the 2005 Gold Cup, three World Cups and a place in the MLS All-Time Best XI. Career record: 82 caps and 8 goals for United States; club career at D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 84.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.