Mike Windischmann holds the record for most consecutive U.S. national team appearances with the 36 straight games he played in 1988-90. They included his captaining the USA during its first World Cup appearance in 40 years after wearing the armband in the qualifying campaign for Italia 90. Two years later, the sweeper at age 26 underwent ACL knee surgery that required a 12-month layoff. With no national pro league — MLS didn’t launch until 1996 — Windischmann returned to Adelphi University to complete his degree and became a teacher in Hollis, Queens, New York. The Hall of Famer, who earned 50 U.S. caps, also played in 1986 World Cup qualifying and at the 1988 Olympics.

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