Michael Bradley (soccer)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Michael Bradley
Bradley with the United States at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Personal information
Full name Michael Sheehan Bradley[1]
Date of birth (1987-07-31) July 31, 1987 (age 36)
Place of birth Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
Stabæk (assistant)
Youth career
Chicago Sockers
2002–2004 IMG Academy
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2005 MetroStars 30 (1)
2006–2008 Heerenveen 55 (15)
2008–2011 Borussia Mönchengladbach 76 (10)
2011Aston Villa (loan) 3 (0)
2011–2012 Chievo 35 (1)
2012–2014 Roma 41 (2)
2014–2023 Toronto FC 258 (16)
Total 498 (45)
International career
2002–2004 United States U17 6 (0)
2004 United States U18 1 (0)
2004–2007 United States U20 8 (1)
2008 United States U23 4 (0)
2006–2019 United States 151 (17)
Managerial career
2023– Stabæk (assistant)
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's soccer
FIFA Confederations Cup
Runner-up 2009 South Africa
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Winner 2007 United States
Runner-up 2011 United States
Winner 2017 United States
Runner-up 2019 United States–Costa Rica–Jamaica
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Michael Sheehan Bradley (born July 31, 1987) is an American former professional soccer player who is currently an assistant coach at Norwegian club Stabæk.

A former captain of the United States national team, Bradley made over 150 international appearances between his senior debut in 2006 and 2019. He was selected to the squad for several major tournaments, including five CONCACAF Gold Cups and two FIFA World Cups, winning two of the former. He was also a member of the sides that finished runners-up at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and reached the semi-finals of the Copa América Centenario.

The son of soccer coach Bob Bradley, Michael began his professional career in Major League Soccer with the MetroStars in 2004. He then spent several years in Europe, playing in the Dutch Eredivisie with Heerenveen, German Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach, English Premier League with Aston Villa, and Italian Serie A with both Chievo and Roma. He returned to MLS with Toronto FC in 2014, making over 300 total appearances and lifting the MLS Cup as captain in 2017, before retiring with the club in 2023.

Early life[edit]

Bradley was born in Princeton, New Jersey, son to Bob Bradley, former coach of the United States national team and Los Angeles FC. While his father was the head soccer coach at Princeton University, the family lived in Pennington, New Jersey.[3]

Michael spent his teenage years in Palatine, Illinois while his father coached the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS), and he grew up playing for Sockers FC, who went to the 2002 National Championships and finished third. He later attended the United States Under-17 Men's National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida – the dedicated facility for the training of the under-17 national team – for four semesters, from 2002 to 2004. As a child, he idolized Roy Keane, the Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder.[4]

Club career[edit]

MetroStars[edit]

Before leaving Bradenton, Bradley signed a Project-40 contract with MLS, turning professional at the age of sixteen, and entered the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected thirty-sixth overall by the MetroStars, who at the time were coached by his father. Bradley did not see any playing time in his rookie season, missing out with a foot injury, but went on to gain a starting spot in 2005, playing 30 out of 32 matches for the Metro. Just weeks after his father was fired as the club's coach, he headed in his first professional goal in a victory over Chivas USA on the last day of the 2005 season, sending the team to the playoffs.

SC Heerenveen[edit]

In January 2006, Bradley became the youngest MLS player to ever be sold when he was transferred to Heerenveen for $250,000 and a portion of any sell-on fee[5] His first start for the Dutch club came on April 16, 2006, in a match against AZ.[6] He found success early, earning five starts and helping the club to a coveted UEFA Cup spot in his first half-season.[7] Upon the retirement of Paul Bosvelt after the 2006–07 season, Bradley took the veteran's starting place in central midfield. Bradley scored sixteen Eredivisie goals and twenty in all competitions during the 2007–08 season.

In January 2008, Bradley broke the record for the most goals scored in a single season by an American soccer player playing in a European first division, which was previously held by Brian McBride with his thirteen goals for Fulham in the Premier League. On January 26, 2008, Bradley extended his record to eighteen, with sixteen league goals.

Borussia Mönchengladbach[edit]

2008–2011[edit]

Bradley with Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2008

On August 31, 2008, Bradley signed a four-year deal with Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach for an undisclosed fee.[8] It was later revealed that Bradley had agreed to a switch to English club Birmingham City on the condition that the club retained its Premier League status.[9] However, they did not and he made his Gladbach debut on September 20 in a loss against Hertha Berlin. On November 15, 2008, Bradley scored his first goal for Mönchengladbach against Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich with an eighty-first minute equalizing header. The game ended 2–2.

Early in the 2009–10 season, Bradley was briefly suspended after an argument with manager Michael Frontzeck over playing time. However, the two later reconciled and Bradley re-established himself as a starter with the club before assisting a goal against Bayern Munich with a one-touch volley pass, and scoring the winning goal on a low free kick against Hannover 96. On January 30, 2011, Aston Villa of the Premier League confirmed via their official website that they were in talks to sign Bradley on a loan deal until the end of the 2010–11 season.[10]

Loan to Aston Villa[edit]

Bradley completed the loan deal to Aston Villa on January 31, 2011. Bradley was paraded in front of the fans at Villa Park on February 5 before kick off of the Premier League match against Fulham. On February 12, Bradley made his Aston Villa debut, coming on in the second half after Jean Makoun was sent off. It was said that Bradley would not join Villa on a permanent basis after Alex McLeish declined to extend his contract. He made only three Premier League appearances and one FA Cup appearance.[11]

Chievo[edit]

Bradley joined Italian Serie A club Chievo on August 31, 2011.[12] He made his Chievo debut on September 18, coming on in the second half for Paolo Sammarco. He has been nicknamed "The General" by the local fans. Bradley scored his first goal in Italian soccer in a 3–2 victory over Catania on April 7 to take his side up to ninth in the league standings.[13]

Bradley defending for Roma against Thierry Henry of MLS All-Stars in 2013.

Roma[edit]

On July 16, 2012, Bradley joined Roma, signing a four-year contract for a transfer fee of €3.75 million.[14][15] The following day, he made his debut for Roma as a starter in a 2–1 pre-season victory against Austrian Bundesliga club Rapid Wien, going head-to-head with fellow U.S. international Terrence Boyd. On July 25, Bradley scored his first goal for his new club in a friendly against Liverpool at Fenway Park in Boston.[16] On August 19, Bradley scored his second pre-season goal against Greek club Aris. On August 26, Bradley made his league debut as a starter for Roma in their 2–2 draw against Catania; he picked up the assist in Roma's game-tying goal in the 90th minute.[17] On October 7, in his first game back after a month-long groin injury, Bradley scored his first goal for the Giallorossi in Roma's 2–0 win over Atalanta.[18]

In late January 2013, Bradley received praise from freelance writer for ESPN.com Michael Cox, stating that Serie A were choosing midfielders like Bradley who "epitomize[d] the new breed of Serie A midfielder, who's all about energy and hard running, rather than the typical number 10."[19] On May 26 of that year, Bradley started in midfield for Roma as the club fell 1–0 to Rome rivals Lazio in the final of the Coppa Italia.[20]

On September 6, Bradley was sidelined due to an injury he suffered on national team duty against Costa Rica. He returned to action for Roma on October 27, where he scored a goal against Udinese, the only goal either side scored during the match.[21]

Toronto FC[edit]

Bradley playing for Toronto in 2015

On January 9, 2014, Roma announced the sale of Bradley to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer for $10 million.[22] As part of the transfer, the two clubs agreed to a partnership including two friendly matches at BMO Field over six years, and a player development program for Toronto FC players at Roma's training facility.[23]

Bradley made his debut with Toronto in their season opener at Seattle Sounders FC on March 15, 2014, the game ended in a 2–1 away victory with both goals coming from newly acquired Jermain Defoe.[24] He scored his first goal for Toronto three weeks later on April 5 against the Columbus Crew, a game which ended in a 2–0 away victory.[25]

He was named captain prior to the 2015 season.[26]

Bradley captained and scored once for Toronto FC in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals in a derby against Montreal Impact in which Toronto won on an aggregated score of 7–5, to take Toronto FC to the MLS Cup Final for the first time in their history.[27] On December 10, 2016, Toronto lost the final at home to Seattle Sounders FC 5–4 in penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw after extra-time in which Seattle had no shots on target; Bradley missed Toronto's second penalty.[28]

The arrival of Spanish playmaker Victor Vázquez in midfield at the beginning of the 2017 season saw less of a burden placed on Bradley and star forward Sebastian Giovinco to create goalscoring opportunities for Toronto; furthermore, Greg Vanney's switch in tactics from a 4–4–2 diamond to a 3–5–2 formation often saw Bradley occupy more of a supporting role in midfield, which left the Spaniard free to take on the majority of playmaking duties, although the midfield duo often switched positions and effectively shared the team's defensive and creative responsibilities, forming a notable partnership throughout the season.[29][30][31][32] On June 27, Toronto defeated Montreal 2–1 at home in the second leg of the 2017 Canadian Championship final to capture the title for the second consecutive season, edging Montreal 3–2 on aggregate.[33] On September 30, 2017, Bradley won his first Supporters' Shield with a 4–2 home win over New York Red Bulls, to clinch top of the league with the most points that season.[34] On December 9, 2017, Bradley helped Toronto defeat Seattle 2–0 in the 2017 MLS Cup at BMO Field, to lift the title for the first time in the club's history, and complete an unprecedented domestic treble.[35]

After a 2–1 home loss to Guadalajara on April 18, in the first leg of the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League Finals, Toronto managed a 2–1 away win in the return leg on April 25, which took the match straight to penalty shoot-out; Bradley missed the decisive spot kick as Toronto lost the shoot-out 4–2.[36]

On March 2, 2019, Bradley scored a brace for Toronto in their 3–1 win away against Philadelphia Union to kick off Toronto FC's regular Major League Soccer season.[37] He made his 200th appearance for the club on November 10, a 3–1 away defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2019 MLS Cup Final.[38]

At the beginning of 2020, he had ankle surgery and was expected to miss a significant portion of the season.[39] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting the MLS season, he only missed two games and was able to return upon the league restart in the MLS is Back Tournament.[40]

In 2022, Bradley scored a brace against Charlotte FC in a 4–0 home win that saw the debuts of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, both of whom assisted on Bradley's goals. The performance led Bradley to be voted MLS Player of the Week.[41]

On October 17, 2023, Bradley announced that he would retire from professional soccer following Toronto FC's season-ending match held four days later.[42]

International career[edit]

In May 2006, Bradley was brought into the United States national team's training camp prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. While not a member of the World Cup squad or an alternate, Bradley was on the roster for the three send-off friendlies played before the tournament. He earned his first cap in the May 26 match against Venezuela in Cleveland.[43]

In late 2006, Bob Bradley, Michael's father, was hired as head coach of the national team, and Michael would establish himself as a key player for the U.S. during his father's tenure. Bradley earned his first international start on March 28, 2007, during a friendly against Guatemala. He was a starter at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and helped lead the U.S. to the title, though he was sent off for a late tackle in their semi-final win against Canada. The next month, he started every match for the U.S. at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored the game-winning goal in the 107th minute against Uruguay in the round of 16.[44] He scored his first senior international goal on October 17, 2007, with a game-winner in the 87th minute against Switzerland in a friendly in Basel.[45] Following these performances, Bradley was named U.S. Soccer's Young Athlete of the Year for 2007.[46] On February 11, 2009, facing Mexico in Columbus for a 2010 World Cup qualifier, Bradley scored both goals of a 2–0 U.S. victory.[47][48]

Bradley (left) and Austria's Martin Hinteregger in November 2013

During the United States' surprise run to the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, Bradley scored the second goal against Egypt off an assist from Landon Donovan, helping the Americans advance to the semi-final on goal differential after beating the Egyptians 3–0.[49] He started in the 2–0 upset victory against Spain in the semi-finals, but was sent off late in the game. The resulting suspension kept Bradley out of the tournament final, which the U.S. lost 3–2 to Brazil.[50] Bradley was later reported to have confronted referee Jorge Larrionda following the match, resulting in him receiving an additional three-match suspension to be served during the 2009 Gold Cup.[51]

Bradley was a key player for the U.S. at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, starting all four matches in central midfield. In the group stage, he scored the equalizer in a comeback 2–2 draw against Slovenia.[52] He captained the national team for the first time in an August 10, 2010 friendly against Brazil, played in his birthplace of New Jersey. At the 2011 Gold Cup, Bradley featured in each game, forming a new midfield partnership with Jermaine Jones, and scored the opening goal in the final against Mexico, though the Americans went on to lose 4–2.[53]

Following the Gold Cup loss, Bob Bradley was fired as national team coach and replaced by Jürgen Klinsmann, under whom Michael remained a key starter in midfield. He started each game for the U.S. as they reached the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.[54] After Clint Dempsey had his captaincy removed as punishment for a controversial incident with a referee, Klinsmann named Bradley the national team's new permanent captain ahead of the 2015 Gold Cup.[55] In the United States' opening tournament game against Honduras on July 7, Bradley earned his 100th international cap at the age of 27.[56] Bradley would also captain the U.S. as they hosted the centennial Copa América in 2016, reaching the semi-finals.[57]

Although not initially included in the final squad for the 2017 Gold Cup, Bradley would be one of six alternate players later added to the U.S. roster for the knockout stage.[58] Bradley went on to play every minute of the United States' three knockout games, lifting his second Gold Cup title after they defeated Jamaica in the final.[59] For his performances, Bradley was awarded the Golden Ball, recognizing him as the best player of the tournament.[60]

Bradley was a mainstay of the United States' 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, and would score the opener in a crucial match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on June 11, 2017, chipping an effort over goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from roughly 40 yards out to help the Americans earn a 1–1 draw.[61] However, after a shock defeat to Trinidad and Tobago on October 10, the United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.[62] Bradley was one of several senior players to receive extensive criticism from American media and fans, citing his subpar performances and a lack of leadership shown as captain of the team.[63][64] After returning to club duty with Toronto FC, both Bradley and fellow national teammate Jozy Altidore would routinely be booed and jeered by opposition fans when playing MLS games in American stadiums.[65][66]

On July 7, 2019, Bradley played the full 90 minutes as the U.S. lost the final of the 2019 Gold Cup by a single goal to Mexico. The match made him the third American to reach 150 international caps, after Cobi Jones and Landon Donovan.[67]

Style of play[edit]

A hard-working, intelligent, and physically imposing right-footed player, Bradley was capable of playing in several midfield roles, and was used in the center,[19][68] in a holding role,[69] in a box-to-box role,[70] in the hole,[68] or even in a more withdrawn creative role as a deep-lying playmaker.[71][72] He was also utilized as a central defender on occasion.[73] Bradley's tenacity, ball-winning abilities, energy, tactical intelligence, and positional sense enabled him to recover the ball and quickly transition from defense to attack by making forward runs, while his vision and range of passing allowed him to dictate the tempo of his team's play in midfield or create goalscoring opportunities after retrieving possession.[19][29][74][75][76][77] In addition to his stamina and playing ability, he was also known for his communication and leadership skills.[32]

Coaching career[edit]

On October 23, 2023, Stabæk Fotball announced that Bradley would become an assistant coach. He reunited with his father, who is head coach of the club.[78]

Personal life[edit]

Bradley speaks fluent English, Italian, Dutch, German, and Spanish. He is married to Amanda, a former University of Rhode Island tennis player. The couple have a son and a daughter, born in 2012 and 2014 respectively.[4][79]

Bradley's father, Bob, managed sides including the United States men's national team and Toronto FC for a brief period while his son was captain of the club. Scott Bradley, the younger brother of Bob and uncle of Michael, played as a catcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the Seattle Mariners, and served as long-time coach of the Princeton Tigers.[80] Michael Bradley's sister married the Australian-born soccer player Andy Rose.[81]

Career statistics[edit]

Club[edit]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[2][7][11]
Club Season League Playoffs National cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
MetroStars 2004 Major League Soccer 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2005 30 1 2 0 0 0 32 1
Total 30 1 2 0 0 0 32 1
Heerenveen 2005–06 Eredivisie 1 0 0 0 4[a] 0 5 0
2006–07 21 0 0 0 4[b] 0 2[a] 0 27 0
2007–08 33 15 2 2 2[b] 2 3[a] 0 40 19
Total 55 15 2 2 6 2 9 0 72 19
Borussia Mönchengladbach 2008–09 Bundesliga 28 5 0 0 28 5
2009–10 29 2 2 0 31 2
2010–11 19 3 3 1 0 0 22 4
Total 76 10 5 1 0 0 81 11
Aston Villa (loan) 2010–11 Premier League 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 0
Chievo 2011–12 Serie A 35 1 1 0 36 1
Roma 2012–13 Serie A 30 1 5 0 35 1
2013–14 11 1 0 0 11 1
Total 41 2 5 0 46 2
Toronto FC 2014 Major League Soccer 25 2 2 1 27 3
2015 25 5 1 0 2 0 28 5
2016 24 1 6 1 0 0 30 2
2017 30 0 5 0 2 0 37 0
2018 32 0 2 0 8[c] 0 1[d] 0 43 0
2019 27 3 4 0 2 0 2[c] 0 35 3
2020 12[e] 0 1 0 0 0 1[f] 0 14 0
2021 32 1 3 0 4[c] 0 39 1
2022 34 3 4[g] 1 38 4
2023 17 1 0 0 0 0 17 1
Total 258 16 17 1 17 2 14 0 2 0 308 19
Career total 498 45 19 1 31 5 24 2 11 0 581 53
  1. ^ a b c Appearances in Eredivisie European play-offs
  2. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in CONCACAF Champions League
  4. ^ Appearance in Campeones Cup
  5. ^ Includes three appearances in MLS is Back Tournament group stage
  6. ^ Appearance in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage
  7. ^ Includes appearance in 2020 Canadian Championship final (played in 2022)

International[edit]

Appearances and goals by national team and year[82]
National team Year Apps Goals
United States 2006 2 0
2007 12 1
2008 11 2
2009 15 4
2010 10 1
2011 13 1
2012 9 2
2013 10 0
2014 9 1
2015 18 3
2016 18 0
2017 14 2
2018 2 0
2019 8 0
Total 151 17
Scores and results list United States' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bradley goal.[83][84]
List of international goals scored by Michael Bradley
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 October 17, 2007 St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland 13   Switzerland 1–0 1–0 Friendly
2 June 15, 2008 Home Depot Center, Carson, United States 20  Barbados 2–0 8–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 September 10, 2008 Toyota Park, Bridgeview, United States 24  Trinidad and Tobago 1–0 3–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 February 11, 2009 Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, United States 26  Mexico 1–0 2–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 2–0
6 June 21, 2009 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Phokeng, South Africa 32  Egypt 2–0 3–0 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
7 October 14, 2009 RFK Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C., United States 38  Costa Rica 1–2 2–2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
8 June 18, 2010 Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa 45  Slovenia 2–2 2–2 2010 FIFA World Cup
9 June 25, 2011 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States 59  Mexico 1–0 2–4 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup
10 May 26, 2012 EverBank Field, Jacksonville, United States 65  Scotland 2–0 5–1 Friendly
11 November 14, 2012 Kuban Stadium, Krasnodar, Russia 72  Russia 1–1 2–2 Friendly
12 April 2, 2014 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, United States 83  Mexico 1–0 2–2 Friendly
13 February 8, 2015 StubHub Center, Carson, United States 93  Panama 1–0 2–0 Friendly
14 July 13, 2015 Sporting Park, Kansas City, United States 102  Panama 1–1 1–1 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup
15 July 22, 2015 Georgia Dome, Atlanta, United States 104  Jamaica 1–2 1–2 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup
16 March 24, 2017 Avaya Stadium, San Jose, United States 129  Honduras 2–0 6–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
17 June 11, 2017 Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico 133  Mexico 1–0 1–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honors[edit]

Roma[11]

Toronto FC

United States[11]

Individual

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players" (PDF). FIFA. June 11, 2014. p. 32. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 4, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Michael Bradley MLS profile". Major League Soccer. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  3. ^ Havsy, Jane (June 24, 2007). "U.S. Under-20 team holds off Chile". Daily Record. Retrieved February 15, 2011. "Bradley grew up in Pennington while his father, US men's national team head coach Bob Bradley, coached at Princeton."
  4. ^ a b O'Brien, Luke (August 13, 2013). "America's Most Important Soccer Player Conquers The Old World". Deadspin. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  5. ^ "The Michael Bradley Project: Can Toronto FC star become best American player of all-time?". mlsSoccer.com. March 14, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  6. ^ "Michael Bradley » Eredivisie 2005/2006". World Football. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Michael Bradley » Club matches". World Football. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  8. ^ Coerts, Stefan (August 31, 2008). "Bradley Heading For Gladbach". goal.com. Retrieved September 2, 2008.
  9. ^ "Birmingham City miss out on two more targets". Birmingham Mail. May 22, 2008. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  10. ^ "Villa in talks with USA ace Bradley over loan move". January 30, 2011. Archived from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  11. ^ a b c d "M. Bradley profile". Soccerway. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  12. ^ "US midfielder Michael Bradley leaves Moenchengladbach for Chievo Verona in Italy". The Washington Post. August 31, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2011.[dead link]
  13. ^ "Chievo Verona 3–2 Catania". ESPN Soccernet. April 7, 2012. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  14. ^ "MICHAEL BRADLEY E ADRIAN MARIUS STOIAN" (PDF) (in Italian). AS Roma. July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  15. ^ "Michael Bradley signs with Roma". FOX Soccer. July 15, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  16. ^ "Welcome back, Michael Bradley". ESPN. July 25, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  17. ^ "Michael Bradley has memorable debut with AS Roma in 2–2 draw with Catania". Sporting News. August 25, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  18. ^ "Bradley's debut goal helps Roma rebound". ESPNFC. October 7, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  19. ^ a b c "Why Serie A has fallen out of love with the number ten". ESPN FC. January 30, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  20. ^ "Roma 0–1 Lazio: Biancocelesti edge dour derby to claim Coppa Italia". Goal.com. May 26, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  21. ^ "Roma's Michael Bradley strikes late to seal win for 10 men at Udinese". The Guardian. October 27, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  22. ^ "Bradley completes transfer to Toronto". ESPN FC. January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  23. ^ "Toronto FC Signs Michael Bradley" (Press release). Toronto FC. January 13, 2014. Archived from the original on January 19, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  24. ^ McGran, Kevin (March 15, 2014). "Jermain Defoe scores twice, Toronto FC upsets Seattle 2–1 in season opener". Toronto Star. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
  25. ^ "Match Recap: Crew 0, TFC 2". Toronto FC. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  26. ^ "Michael Bradley appointed Toronto FC captain, replacing Steven Caldwell". ESPN FC. February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  27. ^ "Toronto FC 5, Montreal Impact 2 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Recap". Major League Soccer. November 30, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  28. ^ "Seattle Sounders beat Toronto FC on penalties to win 2016 MLS Cup". ESPN FC. December 10, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  29. ^ a b Laura Armstrong (October 28, 2017). "Victor Vazquez and Michael Bradley are in the middle of Toronto FC's success". The Star. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  30. ^ Kristina Rutherford (September 9, 2017). "Big Read: Why Victor Vazquez is like no player in Toronto FC history". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  31. ^ John Molinaro (May 3, 2017). "Altidore, Giovinco making magic up front together for TFC". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  32. ^ a b Sebastian Giovinco (October 5, 2017). "Sebastian Giovinco on his love for Toronto FC, growing up in Turin and Juventus". Sky Sports. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  33. ^ a b "Toronto FC repeat as Canadian Champions; earn berth in CONCACAF Champions League". canadasoccer.com. June 27, 2017. Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  34. ^ a b "Kings of the League: Toronto FC win first Supporters' Shield". Major League Soccer. September 30, 2017.
  35. ^ a b "Recap: Toronto FC vs Seattle Sounders". Major League Soccer. December 9, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  36. ^ "CD Guadalajara 1, Toronto FC 2 | 2018 Concacaf Champions League Recap". Major League Soccer. April 25, 2018.
  37. ^ "Philadelphia Union 1, Toronto FC 3 | 2019 MLS Match Recap". Major League Soccer. March 2, 2019.
  38. ^ "Toronto FC falls to Seattle Sounders in 2019 MLS Cup final". Sportsnet. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  39. ^ "Update: Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley expected to be out 4 months after ankle surgery". mlssoccer.com. January 20, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  40. ^ "'I feel really good': TFC captain Michael Bradley excited to return following ankle surgery". June 9, 2020.
  41. ^ "Michael Bradley voted Week 22 MLS Player of the Week". Toronto FC. July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  42. ^ Sigal, Jonathan (October 17, 2023). "Michael Bradley: Toronto FC, USMNT legend to retire". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  43. ^ Jones, Grahame L. (May 27, 2006). "U.S. Soccer Gets Back on Board". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  44. ^ "Match Report: USA – Uruguay". FIFA. July 11, 2007. Archived from the original on May 5, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  45. ^ "U.S. Tops Switzerland". The New York Times. October 18, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  46. ^ "U.S. Soccers All-Time Athlete of the Year Award Winners". United States Soccer Federation. Archived from the original on July 1, 2009. Retrieved June 30, 2009.
  47. ^ "U.S. continues domination of Mexico on Bradley's two goals". Sports Illustrated. Columbus, Ohio. February 11, 2009. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 12, 2009. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  48. ^ Mahoney, Ridge (February 12, 2009). "Bradley goals down jittery Mexico, 2–0". Soccer America Magazine. Archived from the original on February 2, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  49. ^ "U.S. Advances to Semifinals of FIFA Confederations Cup". United States Soccer Federation. June 21, 2009. Archived from the original on June 24, 2009. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
  50. ^ "U.S. Men's National Team Advances to First-Ever Final in a FIFA Tournament with 2–0 Victory Against Spain in 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup". United States Soccer Federation. June 24, 2009. Archived from the original on June 28, 2009. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
  51. ^ "Bradley suspended for three matches". ESPN. July 7, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  52. ^ Ornstein, David (June 18, 2010). "Slovenia 2–2 USA". BBC Sport. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  53. ^ "Mexico rallies to top U.S. and win high-scoring Gold Cup final". CNN. June 26, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  54. ^ "USA squad for 2014 World Cup: the 23 chosen by Jürgen Klinsmann". The Guardian. June 6, 2014.
  55. ^ McCarthy, Kyle. "Michael Bradley named as USA captain for CONCACAF Gold Cup". Fox Sports. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  56. ^ "Michael Bradley earns 100th cap for U.S. men's national team". Sports Illustrated. July 7, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  57. ^ "USA's Copa América squad: a look at Jürgen Klinsmann's selection". The Guardian. June 3, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  58. ^ "Bradley, Dempsey, Howard join USMNT for Gold Cup KO rounds". NBC Sports. July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  59. ^ "International Watch – Gold Cup Recap". Toronto FC. July 27, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  60. ^ a b "USA's Bradley earns Golden Ball Award presented by Scotiabank". goldcup.org. Archived from the original on July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  61. ^ "Bradley's stunning early goal helps US to 1–1 tie at Mexico". USA Today. June 11, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
  62. ^ "Woeful USA fail to make 2018 World Cup after loss to Trinidad & Tobago". The Guardian. October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  63. ^ "USMNT World Cup failure gets blasted by Taylor Twellman in ESPN rant". The Washington Post. October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  64. ^ "MLS Cup won't fill void of World Cup. But for three leaders of U.S. soccer, it would be a start". The Washington Post. December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  65. ^ "Booed in USA, Revered in Canada: Altidore, Bradley's Bizarro Trip Winds to MLS Cup". Sports Illustrated. December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  66. ^ "Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley unfazed by boos in Columbus". The Globe and Mail. November 22, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  67. ^ "Second-half goal sees USMNT fall 1–0 in 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final". U.S. Soccer. July 7, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  68. ^ a b Richard Jolly (June 17, 2014). "Ozil more direct in advanced role". ESPN FC. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  69. ^ Armen Bedakian (February 20, 2017). "3 ways Toronto FC could line up with new central figure Victor Vazquez". The Score. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  70. ^ Neil Davidson (June 15, 2014). "World Cup: Representing U.S. 'incredible honour,' says Toronto FC's Michael Bradley". The Star. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  71. ^ "Toronto FC adds Spanish attacking midfielder Victor Vazquez". CBC Sports. February 20, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  72. ^ Kristian Jack (March 30, 2016). "TFC benefiting from Bradley as defensive midfielder". TSN. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  73. ^ John Molinaro (May 1, 2018). "How Bradley's transition to centre back has been 'beneficial' for TFC". Sportsnet. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  74. ^ Neil Davidson (July 5, 2017). "Toronto FC heads to Orlando hoping to shake off tough loss to Dallas". The Star. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  75. ^ Colin McGowan (April 2, 2015). "Michael Bradley, Forever Out Of Place". Vice. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  76. ^ Brian Straus (June 10, 2015). "Resilient USA makes Klinsmann's scheduling pay off in Germany upset". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  77. ^ Matthew Scianitti (May 28, 2010). "Michael Bradley: Not just the coach's son". CBC Sport. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  78. ^ Vertelney, Seth (October 23, 2023). "Days after retirement, Michael Bradley joins father's staff at Stabaek". Pro Soccer Wire. USA Today. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  79. ^ Larson, Kurt (January 11, 2015). "Michael Bradley on life, recovery and finally helping Toronto FC qualify for the playoffs in 2015". Toronto Sun.
  80. ^ Jones, Grahame L. (October 20, 2006). "Family Matters". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  81. ^ "Father vs. son as LAFC visit Toronto FC in Bradley Bowl". TSN. The Canadian Press. August 29, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  82. ^ "Michael Bradley Stats, News, Bio". ESPN FC.
  83. ^ "Michael Bradley profile". National Football Teams. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  84. ^ "Michael Bradley Player Profile". United States Soccer Federation. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  85. ^ "Seattle Sounders are 2019 MLS Cup champions: Rave Green win second MLS title". Major League Soccer. November 10, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  86. ^ "Toronto FC 5, Vancouver Whitecaps 2 2018 Canadian Championship Recap". Toronto Fc. August 15, 2018.
  87. ^ "At last, Toronto FC capture 2020 Canadian Championship over Forge FC". Major League Soccer. June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  88. ^ "Montréal takes 2019 Canadian Championship title". Canada Soccer. September 26, 2019. Archived from the original on November 8, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  89. ^ "Javier Hernandez and Carli Lloyd Named 2015 CONCACAF Players of the Year". CONCACAF. January 22, 2016. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  90. ^ "Mexico leads way in Concacaf Men's Best XI". CONCACAF. January 15, 2019. Archived from the original on January 17, 2019. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  91. ^ "IFFHS MAN TEAM – CAF – OF THE DECADE 2011–2020". IFFHS. January 28, 2021.
  92. ^ "TSG reveals Gold Cup Best XI". www.goldcup.org. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  93. ^ "2019 Concacaf Gold Cup – Best XI". goldcup.org. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  94. ^ "Bradley, Giovinco to represent TFC at MLS All-Star game". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  95. ^ "2017 MLS All-Star Roster". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on July 27, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  96. ^ "RFB Toronto FC "Man of the Year" Award". Red Patch Boys. Retrieved July 1, 2018.

External links[edit]