Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel (born May 18, 1971 in Lakewood, Ohio) is an American international football (soccer) goalkeeper who plays for Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League.

International career

Friedel is the second most-capped goalkeeper in U.S. national team history and gained his first international cap against Canada in 1992 in which he managed to keep a clean sheet. He was the first choice goal keeper for the U.S 1992 Olympic team; however, he was unable to beat out Tony Meola as first choice keeper for the U.S. team at the 1994 World Cup. However his chance came, and Friedel made his World Cup debut in France '98 where he conceded one goal as the U.S. lost to Yugoslavia. He lived up to his growing reputation in Korea and Japan as the U.S. went on a surprising run to the quarterfinals, which included a 3-2 defeat of Portugal in group play and a 2-0 second-round win over archrival Mexico before a loss to Germany (the eventual runner-up). He also became the first keeper to save two penalty kicks during regular play (as opposed to penalty shootouts) in a World Cup finals tournament since 1974. He was dubbed "The Human Wall" by fans during the spectacular 2002 World Cup run.

Related Topics:
Canada - 1992 - 1992 Olympic - Tony Meola - 1994 World Cup - France '98 - Yugoslavia - Korea and Japan - Portugal - Mexico - Germany - Penalty kick - Penalty shootouts

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On February 7, 2005, Friedel announced his retirement from international soccer and is currently in negotiation to start a soccer academy near Lorain, Ohio.

Related Topics:
February 7 - 2005 - Lorain, Ohio

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