Brian McBride Reflects on SLU, Columbus Crew, and the U.S. Open Cup

Brian McBride Previews the Columbus Crew and St. Louis CITY SC Open Cup Final

Ahead of the U.S. Open Cup Final between the Columbus Crew and St. Louis CITY SC, former United States Men’s National Team standout Brian McBride shared his perspectives on his collegiate roots, his professional career, and his predictions for the trophy match. McBride, who currently serves as sporting director for Brooklyn FC, discussed how his time at Saint Louis University and his years playing for the Columbus Crew shaped his understanding of domestic soccer traditions.

Collegiate Success at Saint Louis University

Growing up in Arlington Heights near Chicago, McBride first encountered the rich soccer culture of St. Louis through youth tournament trips. He recalled that regional clubs like Busch Soccer Club or Scott Gallagher Soccer Club were consistently competitive, setting a high standard for youth play. U-20 team in Mexico, team liaisons and mentors shared stories with McBride about Saint Louis University’s storied tradition and the many professional players produced during the North American Soccer League era.

Reflecting on his time on campus, McBride noted that transitioning from Chicago—where St. Louis was viewed as a fierce athletic rival—allowed him to build deep respect for opponents and forge lasting friendships. He credited those formative college years with expanding his appreciation for the game’s history, which included learning about the St. Louisans who featured on the 1950 USMNT that defeated England.

Chasing the U.S. Open Cup in Columbus

McBride transitioned to the professional ranks, playing for the USL A-League Milwaukee Rampage before Major League Soccer existed, and later anchoring the attack for the Columbus Crew. During the late 1990s, he helped guide Columbus deep into the tournament, including a run to the 1998 U.S. Open Cup Final against the Fire. He explained that in the early 1990s, when the professional landscape was still evolving and players often split time between indoor leagues and the USL, the Open Cup held immense prestige and lore comparable to England’s FA Cup.

By 2002, a busy year that included a Gold Cup campaign and a deep World Cup run with the USMNT, winning a domestic trophy with Columbus became a primary focus. McBride returned from international duty in time to help the Crew secure the 2002 U.S. Open Cup title. Later in his career, he also experienced European domestic tournaments, reaching the DFB-Pokal final with German club Wolfsburg after facing Bundesliga giants like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Building Pathways With Brooklyn FC

Currently, Brian McBride serves as the sporting director at Brooklyn FC. Drawing on his early days with the Milwaukee Rampage, McBride emphasized the necessity of expanding professional soccer beyond traditional MLS and NWSL markets.

Allegiances in the Championship Match

As Columbus prepares to face St. Louis CITY SC, McBride weighed in on the championship matchup. While noting that St. Louis remains near and dear to his heart with many lifelong friends in the area, his final prediction favors his former club. He stated that he wants to see the Crew bring the trophy back to Ohio, while expressing excitement to observe how both organizations approach the historic tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brian McBride’s current role in professional soccer?

Brian McBride serves as the sporting director for Brooklyn FC, overseeing both the men’s and women’s teams while acting as general manager for the men’s squad.

When did Brian McBride win the U.S. Open Cup with the Columbus Crew?

McBride won the U.S. Open Cup with Columbus in 2002, following a busy international year that included the World Cup and the Gold Cup with the USMNT.

Which collegiate program did Brian McBride play for?

McBride played college soccer at Saint Louis University, where he developed a deep appreciation for the city’s rich soccer history and traditions.

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