The center back, known for his strong defensive skills, was a key member of the US national team between 2001 and 2012. His journey in professional soccer kicked off in 2000 when he joined the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. Over the years, he made a name for himself not just in the U.S., but also abroad—playing professionally in France, Scotland, and England. After gaining valuable international experience, he returned to the MLS in 2013, this time with Chivas USA. Before all the fame and high-stakes matches, he honed his talent at UCLA, where he played college soccer from 1997 to 1999. Off the field, he grew up alongside his brother Diego, who was an important part of his early life. The center back’s career path reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for the game that stayed with him throughout the years.
He really made a name for himself early on, being named MLS Rookie of the Year back in 2000. From there, he continued to shine and proved his dominance on the field by earning the title of MLS Defender of the Year not just once, but twice—specifically in 2002 and again in 2003. His consistent performance definitely solidified his reputation as one of the standout players of that era.