For the second time in two years, the USA will play host to a major international football tournament. Last year, it was the Gold Cup, and this summer, it will be the Copa América Centenario. Given that the Stars and Stripes experienced disappointment in 2015, they will be keen, naturally, on having a better showing on home turf this time around. Ahead of the big event, we take a look at one of the USMNT's players expected to have a big impact at this summer's event - Michael Bradley.
Michael Bradley's fact file
Born on July 31, 1987, in Princeton, New Jersey, Michael Sheehan Bradley spent his younger years in nearby Pennington, when his father, Bob Bradley, was the coach of Princeton University. Later on, Bradley moved to Palatine, Illinois once his father accepted a position as head coach of MLS side Chicago Fire. After two years with the IMG Academy, based in Florida, he signed his first professional contract with the MetroStars (now known as the New York Red Bulls) in 2004.
January 2006 began the first of Bradley's spell in Europe, when he was signed by Dutch side Heerenveen. After two and a half solid seasons in Holland, his next move was to the Bundesliga, where he signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach in August 2008.
The Premier League was Bradley's next stop, where he featured for Aston Villa for one season during the 2010/2011 term. In the summer of 2011, he was on the move again, this time, to Serie A, where he spent three and a half seasons, first with Chievo, and then with Roma. The USMNT midfielder's European tour came to a conclusion when he returned to returning to MLS with Toronto FC in 2014, where he currently plays his club football today.
How he stays in contact with his fans
Like most other footballers, Bradley also has a presence on social media. Here are the numbers behind his accounts:
Instagram: 41.6 K followers
Bradley's style of play and impact in past tournaments
Bradley has been a full senior international since 2006, and has taken place in several tournaments with the USMNT, including two World Cups, one Confederations Cup, and numerous Gold Cups. Nicknamed "Il Generale" and "Roma's first American Gladiator", whilst in Serie A, he initially faced criticism for his hot-headed nature in his earlier years.
However, as he's grown older, he has become one of the more reliable faces in the middle of the park both for club and country, and has won accolades for his leadership, tireless energy, and versatility. As the NT captain since 2015, Jurgen Klinsmann will naturally be counting on him to assist the team's cause - especially as they obviously want to put in a better performance than last year's disappointing Gold Cup.
Highlights and achievements for club and country
- Winner - 2007 & 2013 Gold Cups
- Runners-up - 2009 Confederations Cup
- Runners-up - 2013 Coppa Italia (with Roma)
Bet you didn't know that...
- Bradley is quite adept at languages - reportedly speaking fluent Italian, German, Dutch, and Spanish in addition to his native English
- His father, Bob Bradley has not only coached him with the USMNT but also with his professional team (MetroStars)
- In January 2006, Bradley's $250,000 transfer to Heerenveen made him the youngest MLS player to be sold
- His equalizing goal at the 2010 World Cup against Slovenia sent the USMNT to the round of 16
- Bradley is the first US born player ever to be signed by Roma in the club's entire history
- In 2011, when he signed with Chievo, he became the first American to play in Serie A since Alexei Lalas featured for Padova in the mid '90's
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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