Dooley's Last Cap

On This Day in 1999, the Former Captain Bids Farewell to the International Game

Thomas Dooley's journey to becoming a United States captain began with a 4:30 AM phone call in December 1991 that would change his life forever. The German-born defender, who had never set foot in America, learned he was eligible to play for the U.S. national team through his American serviceman father, Courtney Joseph Dooley.

For Dooley, who had built a sterling career in Germany's Bundesliga with over 250 professional appearances, including a championship with Kaiserslautern in 1991, it was an unexpected second chance at World Cup dreams that injuries had seemingly denied him in Germany. Speaking little English beyond basic phrases, he arrived in America in April 1992, taking a significant pay cut but embracing a new chapter that would make him one of U.S. Soccer's most influential figures in the 90s.

His impact was immediate and lasting. By 1993, he was named U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, memorably scoring twice against his native Germany in the U.S. Cup. His leadership and experience proved invaluable as the U.S. hosted the 1994 World Cup; by 1998, he had ascended to team captain for the World Cup in France.

On February 21, 1999, at age 37, Dooley made his 81st and final appearance for the United States in a 2-1 victory over Chile at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Before the match, he was honored by the U.S. Soccer Federation for his service to the national team, taking the field one last time in distinctive red and white boots that matched his confident personality.

"Thomas Dooley is still good enough to play for the U.S. team right now," said then-new U.S. coach Bruce Arena. "But will he be around for 2002? No. We need to find the perfect mix of young players and veterans by the year 2000, which is why games like this one are so important."

The match proved a fitting backdrop for Dooley's farewell as he watched a new generation of American talent emerge. His free kick helped set up Eddie Lewis's game-winning goal in the 65th minute, with Brian McBride winning the initial header, helping to secure just the second U.S. victory over Chile in six meetings.

After the match, Dooley offered an optimistic assessment of American soccer's future. "We're definitely doing things the right way," he said. "I'd say 90 percent of this team today will play in the World Cup qualifying. And there's a lot of young talent here, a lot of depth. It just takes time."

The symbolism of the day was not lost on anyone. As 21-year-old Ben Olsen scored his first international goal, it highlighted the generational shift - Olsen had been just three years old when Dooley signed his first professional contract in Germany in 1980.

Dooley's legacy with the U.S. national team extended far beyond his 81 caps. From his arrival as a non-English speaking defender to becoming team captain, he embodied the determination and professionalism that would help elevate American soccer on the international stage. His journey from being taunted as a child in Germany for his American name to proudly wearing the U.S. captain's armband completed a remarkable circle, leaving an indelible mark on U.S. Soccer history.