FIFA.com serves up a flattering profile of U.S. coach Bob Bradley and his son, Michael, who have surprised this year in their respective positions as national team coach and first-choice center midfielder. The report reminds us that less than one year ago, the U.S. Soccer Federation was piping on about getting a "big name" to succeed Bruce Arena as national team head coach, and yet when none came calling, Bradley Senior was more than willing -- and as it turns out, more than capable -- of stepping into U.S. Soccer's most important job, albeit as an "interim coach."
Eleven unbeaten games later, the job was all his, and as the FIFA.com report points out, few men know the American game better than Bob. He's been involved with U.S. Soccer from the ground up, having had his foot in the country's youth development system, college soccer, the Olympic team and three different MLS teams.
Bradley has also inherited a national team in transition. Following the international retirement of "trusted stalwarts" Claudio Reyna, Brian McBride and Eddie Pope, Bradley knew the time had come to call upon some of the very youngsters he knew personally during his time with the youth program -- including his son, Michael, who's been arguably the best, if not the steadiest, newcomer of the year.
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