MLS Columbus Crew SC

McBride Returning Early to Columbus

March 20, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Crew President/General Manager Jim Smith announced today that Crew and U.S. National Team forward Brian McBride has been released from his loan with Everton of the English Premier League one match early.

"I think it's important that we do well in the Champions Cup and with the Crew losing Jeff (Cunningham) for this next game, it was important that I get back and help out the Crew as much as possible," said McBride. "I have to thank David Moyes (head coach) and Everton for letting me go two days early. It was a pretty big decision but I think the important fact is that Columbus Crew expressed they wanted me back and I think it was important to take this step. The Crew had been ever so supportive of me coming over here (England) and knew the situation that I might possibly miss the first round of the Champions Cup. That was a concern to them but they gave it a go and wanted me to try it and thought with the situation it was important to give the respect back to them and help out my teammates. I've been a part of Columbus for a long time now and I have very strong feelings for them, the city and the fans and I thought it was the right decision."

McBride's three-month loan began in early January and was to run through the end of March. The last game during his loan spell was to be this Sunday, when Everton takes on Premier League leader Arsenal on the road.

"We are very appreciative of Everton and Manager David Moyes for allowing Brian to return early for this very important Champions Cup match," said Smith. "He had an outstanding three months for Everton and we are excited to have him back in the Crew lineup on Sunday. I appreciate Brian's willingness to make himself available for his teammates and fans. In addition, I would like to thank Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis, Senior VP of Player Personnel Todd Durbin and the English FA for expediting his clearance."

The Crew takes on Deportivo Arabe Unido of Panama in the second leg of the Round of 16 CONCACAF Champions Cup this Sunday, March 23, at 4 p.m. at Columbus Crew Stadium. The Crew lost the first leg, 2-1, last Sunday in Colon, Panama. The Crew can send the series into overtime with a one-goal win or can advance to the quarterfinals with a victory by two or more goals.

McBride had appeared in all eight of Everton's games since his loan began.

He started seven of those eight matches and made a stunning Premier League debut by scoring just 10 minutes into his first match on January 12 against fellow U.S. International Kasey Keller and Tottenham in a 4-3 loss. He tallied four goals and two assists in his eight games, including a two-goal performance in his home debut on January 18 against Sunderland. Trailing 1-0, McBride notched goals in the 51st and 58th minutes to give the Blues the win. He also scored February 8 against Charlton. McBride's spectacular play made him a fan favorite for the Blues.

Everton is currently in fifth in the 20-team Premiership with 50 points, one of the top leagues in the world, just one point behind fourth-place Chelsea.

After Sunday's Champions Cup game, McBride will head west to Seattle for the U.S. National Team's game on Saturday, March 29, vs. Japan. He will then return home to start preparing for Major League Soccer's "Opening Day" at Crew Stadium on Saturday, April 5 at 4 p.m. against defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles. The game is nationally televised on ABC Sports.

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