GOAL takes a look at the Black players that have fought to earn American soccer respect across the Atlantic
For years, American players have had to fight for respect in Europe. And, throughout that fight, Black players have been helping to lead the charge and earn the respect from abroad that American soccer has craved for so long.
From legends like DaMarcus Beasley and Cobi Jones to current stars like Weston McKennie and Mia Fishel, Black players have long been integral parts of the U.S. men's and women's national team. Their careers, though, have taken them beyond U.S. borders and into Europe, where they've starred at the highest of levels.
As part of Black History Month, GOAL takes a look at the African-American players who have blazed a trail into Europe…
Getty ImagesEarly days
Throughout the 1990s, American soccer was fighting for whatever scraps they could get. The sport was still in its infancy in the States, with the 1994 World Cup beginning a change that felt long overdue.
After that World Cup, Cobi Jones became one of American soccer's first pop culture icons. His performance in 1994 vaulted him into the national spotlight, but it also opened doors to Europe. Jones spent one season with Coventry City in the Premier League right after the tournament, making 24 appearances, before joining Brazilian side Vasco da Gama for a brief spell. His road, ultimately, brought him back to MLS, but Jones was one of the first Americans to cross over and make an impact in the Premier League.
His 1994 World Cup teammate Earnie Stewart was thriving in the Netherlands at the same time. Born in Holland, Stewart was the son of American Air Force airman and a key figure for the U.S. team for 14 years. His impact on the Dutch top-flight is still felt today, with Stewart now serving as PSV's director of football, using his platform to sign Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBeasley takes the baton
If you're going to argue which American has had the best European career, few can match up with DaMarcus Beasley. After becoming a star at age 20 at the 2002 World Cup, Beasley eventually made the move to PSV. With the Dutch side, he went all the way to the Champions League semifinal, becoming the first American to reach that stage of the competition. Once there, Beasley and PSV lost on away goals, suffering elimination at the hands of a legendary AC Milan side.
Beasley went on to feature for some of Europe's biggest clubs: Manchester City, Rangers and Hannover, before coming back to North America for stints with Puebla and Houston.
All these years later, Beasley's impact remains massive. He's one of the best American soccer has ever seen, and perhaps more than any other player, he blazed a trail through Europe that many ended up following.
GettyHoward reaches new heights
Manchester United, at that time, were the biggest team in the world. And, in 2003, they went out and signed Tim Howard to be their goalkeeper.
His time at Old Trafford didn't last long, but there's no denying what Howard ended up thriving in the Premier League. As Everton's No.1, Howard proved time and time again that he was one of the best goalkeepers in England. At a time when American goalkeepers were earning respect in the Premier League, Howard might just have been the best of the bunch as he established himself as a legend at Goodison Park.
Few Americans have a connection to a club quite like Howard does with Everton, and few ever will.
GettyPathway opens up
By the mid-2000s, the pathway had begun to open up. Some of America's top stars were headed to Europe determined to prove themselves for both club and country.
Maurice Edu became a folk hero at Rangers, scoring a legendary winner against Celtic, before going on to play for Stoke City. Oguchi Onyewu was a mainstay in Europe, playing in seven different countries during his time anchoring the USMNT before eventually becoming U.S. Soccer's vice president of sporting.
Cory Gibbs, Eddie Johnson and Charlie Davies all created their own pathway to Europe, and all are actively involved in the game today. Gibbs is an agent, representing some of the best and brightest American soccer has to offer; Johnson works heavily within the youth space, helping develop up-and-coming talent; and Davies, like Edu, is a mainstay on TV, becoming one of the top pundits in the American game.
And then there's Jozy Altidore. Perhaps the best goalscorer American soccer's ever seen, Altidore is responsible for quite possibly the best season an American player has ever had in Europe. His 51 goals across two campaigns with AZ, headlined by 31 in 2012-13, showed how dominant he could be. His move to Sunderland didn't go to plan, but that won't erase just how decisive Altidore was in the Eredivisie.
And that brings us to the here and now, to a USMNT loaded with Black players plying their craft at higher levels than ever before.