The Odds of John O'Brien Playing for New York
After Being Waived By Chivas, Will Bruce Arena Embrace John O'Brien?
O'Brien spent most of his career with Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie and UEFA Champions League. After injury problems began to hinder his performance for Ajax, the super club cut him loose.
O'Brien signed with ADO Den Haag in 2005 and only made three appearances because of his injuries.
In this time, he failed to play a major role for the U.S. Men's National Team, but he found time to watch many of the games as a spectator up in the stands.
In 2006 with the prospect of making the American National Team, O'Brien signed with Chivas USA and began playing with the U.S.
O'Brien only played 45 minutes during qualification for the tournament and played in a total of 4 matches for the U.S., including his appearance against the Czech Republic during the tournament.
Bruce Arena kept O'Brien on the roster despite constant criticism and all of O'Brien's injuries. Although it was clear to all American soccer fans that O'Brien was too injured to travel with the team, Arena insisted that he be part of the squad. The real question is "why?"
The fact is that O'Brien is the American with the most successful and high profile career since Claudio Reyna. Unlike Landon Donovan who failed to perform for a big European club and was sent home, O'Brien was with Ajax from 1999-2005.
At one point during qualification, Landon Donovan called John O'Brien "the best" in a half-time interview. This is why he traveled with the team and why Bruce Arena may yet sign him in New York.
John O'Brien is one of Bruce Arena's favorite players because he's earned it. His performance in 2002 was a miracle for the U.S., and when he's healthy, John O'Brien is the best American soccer player.
Sadly, he's constantly hurt and rarely plays. Although odds are that he may never play in the MLS again, there is a chance that Bruce Arena will sign him in New York just like he defiantly brought O'Brien to the World Cup. After all, the coach knows best, right?
Published by Nate Covert
Carroll College Grad. Media Asst. for the Rockford Rampage (formerly Thunder) of the American Indoor Soccer League. www.myspace.com/rockfordthunder and www.aisl.org View profile
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- O'Brien played for Ajax from 1999-2005.
- O'Brien has missed the better part of 2005 and 2006 because of injuries.
- O'Brien only played for the U.S. four times during 2006.