Top 10 USMNT Moments: 1989-2009

It's a little over a week late, but to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Paul Caliguri's "shot heard 'round the world" (November 19th, 1989), USSD is going to attempt to make a Top 10 list of the best USMNT moments from the last 20 years.

Now, 20 years is a long time, so I've tried to give an even distribution throughout the years. It's also hard to narrow down the top 10 out of such a long span, so I'm sure I'll miss something. In the event that happens, feel free to let me know. With that, USSD's top 10 from 1989-2009, with some pictures and videos linked for your viewing pleasure:

10) October 14, 2009: Charlie Davies tribute- It was a touching scene at RFK on the last day of qualification when thousands of "9" cards were held up during the 9th minute to honor Davies, who was in the hospital after a tragic car accident. Had Conor Casey put away an open chance in the 9th minute, RFK might have erupted; regardless, it was a memorable tribute and showed the overwhelming support and solidarity of USMNT fans.

9) November 2, 1997: Tie at Azteca- It's no secret that the USMNT struggles mightily at Estadio Azteca, so the team's lone positive result in Mexico City earns a spot on the list. Eric Wynalda, who is said to have been coughing up soot and blood at halftime, described Estadio Azteca by saying, "Imagine putting a treadmill in the middle of Mile High Stadium and having a blow-dryer blast hot ashes into your face." Against all odds, the US managed to hang on to a draw, and this remains the lone point the US has earned at Azteca in World Cup qualification. A memorable match, indeed.

8) February 10, 1998: Kasey Keller v. Brazil- The US was able to defeat perennial powers Brazil in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup thanks to an amazing display by Kasey Keller. Keller made 10 saves, including several spectacular short-range stops. After one such save, Brazil's Romario just shook Keller's hand, a significant display of respect from one of the world's all-time greats. Following the game, head coach Steve Sampson said of Keller, "I think it has to rate as the single greatest performance by a goalkeeper in US soccer history."

7) June 24, 2007: Benny Feilhaber's Gold Cup winner- The 2007 Gold Cup final was a back and forth affair between the US and Mexico. With the match tied in the 73rd minute, a US corner was cleared up towards the edge of the box, where Benny Feilhaber hit a stunning volley into the far side netting to give the US a lead they would not relinquish. The win earned the US a spot in the 2009 Confederations Cup, where there were plenty of memorable moments as well.

6) June 5, 2002: USA v. Portugal- After an abysmal 1998 World Cup that saw the US finish dead last, Bruce Arena was looking to get off on the right foot in Korea. Thanks to 3 goals in the opening 36 minutes, including a fantastic diving header from Brian McBride, the US were able to defeat heavily-favored Portugal, which eventually proved to be the difference between the two teams in the Group D standings.

5) February 28, 2001: USA v. Mexico- This memorable game was played in frigid conditions at Crew Stadium, with a raucous pro-USA crowd in attendance. The match featured the chippy play and animosity typical of the USA-Mexico rivalry, and it turned out to be the first of what is now three consecutive "dos a cero" wins for the US over Mexico at Crew Stadium in World Cup qualification. Josh Wolff featured in both US goals, streaking behind the Mexican backline before finishing on a breakaway and setting up Earnie Stewart for the second late in the game. This game helped establish Crew Stadium as the venue of choice for this matchup, and the three points helped the US qualify for their fourth consecutive World Cup.

4) June 22, 1994: USA v. Colombia- The US earned their first World Cup win in 44 years thanks to a fateful own goal by Andres Escobar (who was later murdered in Colombia as a result, many believe). The win would help the hosts move on to the knockout stage, where they would valiantly battle eventual champions Brazil, ultimately losing 1-0. Despite wearing some of the most hideous national team jerseys of all-time, the USMNT pulled off the great result, sending most of the 93,689 fans at the Rose Bowl home in a good mood.

3) June 17, 2002: World Cup Round of 16- Of all the USMNT's recent victories over Mexico, this one surely is the biggest. The 2-0 victory in South Korea sent the US to the World Cup quarterfinals and helped earn the US a good deal of respect in the international soccer community. Goals from Brian McBride (2:00 in the video) and a very young Landon Donovan (7:30 in the video) propelled the US to victory. Though eventually suffering a heart-breaking defeat to Germany in the quarterfinals, the USMNT's 2002 World Cup was the most successful World Cup tournament run in recent years.

2) June 24, 2009: USA v. Spain- There were several memorable games in the 2009 Confederations Cup, but this one gets the nod, as the US defeated a Spain team that had gone unbeaten in a record-tying 35 straight matches. Jozy Altidore showed off his talent to the world with a fantastic display of strength and raw ability, while Clint Dempsey sealed the improbable victory with a second half finish. The US defense weathered wave after wave of Spanish attack, with a number of perfectly timed tackles to keep their opponents off the board. After making it to the semifinals in the most unlikely of circumstances, the USMNT continued their Cinderella run with an improbable victory over #1 ranked Spain, advancing on to their first FIFA tournament final.

1) November 19, 1989: Paul Caliguri- "The shot heard round the world" earns the top spot on the list. With one goal, Caliguri vaulted the US to the World Cup for the first time in 4 decades. His high, looping volley is possibly the most memorable goal in USMNT history and will live on in US soccer folklore for years to come. The goal helped the US to a 1-0 victory on the road in Trinidad, booking them a place in the 1990 World Cup in Italy.


So that's it. Like I said, I tried to distribute the top 10 throughout the two decades, so that's why games like USA-Egypt and USA-Brazil from this summer's Confederations Cup didn't make it on the list. If you agree with my list, think I'm an idiot, or would just like to reminisce about some of these wonderful moments, feel free to comment.