Brian McBride still can’t stop scoring in the States – but the problem is Chicago Fire are looking a little vulnerable at the back. The former Fulham captain put his MLS side two goals to the good against the Kansas City Wizards but some slack defending meant they had to settle for a draw.
McBride scored the opening goal after 13 minutes, punishing some poor defending to finish with aplomb. His second was a trademark header as he powered in a free-kick from Cuauhtemoc Blanco. But the Wizards came storming back as two late goals from ex-Fire striker Josh Wolff secured a point.
Afterwards, McBride was bitterly disappointed.
This is definitely not a good feeling right now. We felt we good have done better. Any time you lose a two goal lead, it stings.
McBride’s form in the MLS does seem to suggest that we missed out on a great deal when we failed to get him back in January. Imagine what he’d have done in this team.
Absolutely. Can’t help but think that Brian could have had another season in Europe and he was apparently pretty upset that Chicago wouldn’t let him come back on loan.
After watching his ‘goal of the week’ last week, I remembered that brilliant goal he scored against Portsmouth in a massive match in the 04/05 season. When De Zeeuw(?) missed a header and he volleyed it into the net with a brilliant overhead kick. I think that was the moment when he became a Fulham legend.
Interesting points from both of you. I too fondly remember that Pompey goal Gary.
I’d be inclined to agree with the pair of you. I was delighted when I was told that we were seriously looking at bringing McBride back and then disappointed that it didn’t actually happen. But, looking at it now, I’d much rather remember his pivotal role in saving us from the drop last year then a few loan appearances before he went to back to Chicago. He certainly left us wanting more.
It should be mentioned what a wonderful ambassador McBride is for the game. If only English role models were a patch on him.
As much I loved McBride, I do happen to think some Fulham fans were blind to his limitations. His lack of pace was a significant handicap and, although he was great in the air, his first touch sometimes let him down. He was a good guy and a willing servant but a top half Premier League club should be looking elsewhere if it wants to push on.
I was pleased to read on this site a few weeks ago that Hodgson had been making enquiries on the continent about bringing in some strikers from Spain. The boy Negredo and Zigic, whose name seems to be banded around as a potential signing in every transfer window, would be a real step in class. No disrespect to Brian, but his time with Fulham as a player has passed.
I don’t know Jeff – pushing sentiment firmly to one side – I think you might be being a little harsh on Brian there.
Yes, he had his limitations but he worked so hard and was no mean finisher. A lack of pace isn’t the end of the world even in the modern game, look at how a player like Sheringham was able to influence games. I’d argue that Brian’s anticipation and awareness was excellent and that was the key to him doing so well in the air, for a relatively short guy too.
Not so sure about the poor first touch either. He had decent control and sometimes the ball would get away from him, but then that happens to the best players as well. I would agree that he’s not got a playing future at FFC but then I don’t think you’d find too many people arguing with you on that score.
Who Roy targets in the summer is going to be very interesting. I was intrigued by the rumours a few weeks ago linking us with Marco Di Vaio who seems to be having a great season in Italy. I fancy he could do a job for us and might be persuaded to give it go by Roy’s Italian connections.