Bocanegra's Goal Against Monaco

On This Day in 2010, Three Days After Scoring Against the Dutch, the Defender Scored His Final Stade Rennes Goal

When Carlos Bocanegra joined Stade Rennes in the summer of 2008 after being released by Fulham, it marked a new chapter in the American defender's career. Rennes coach Guy Lacombe was enthusiastic about the signing, praising the U.S. international's tactical intelligence and maturity. The move represented an exciting opportunity for Bocanegra to test himself in a new league after five years in England.

The transition wasn't immediately smooth. Deployed initially as a center-back, Bocanegra struggled in a memorable 4-4 debut against Marseille alongside Guillaume Borne. However, Lacombe's decision to shift him to left-back proved inspired. Despite not being the quickest defender, Bocanegra's positioning and aerial ability helped Rennes embark on an impressive 18-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1. He even showcased his attacking threat, notably scoring in the 2009 French Cup Final against Guingamp, though ultimately in a losing cause.

The 2009-10 season saw Bocanegra remain reliable in the Rennes defense. Fresh off scoring for the United States in a 2-1 friendly defeat to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on March 3, Bocanegra carried his goalscoring form into Ligue 1. On March 6, he proved to be the match-winner against Monaco, finishing with his right foot from close range following a free kick—reminiscent of his goal against the Dutch. The 1-0 victory was particularly crucial, ending Rennes's three-game losing streak.

However, Bocanegra's season took an unfortunate turn when he sustained an injury on March 28 against Le Mans, where he was kicked in the left knee. The situation became more complicated as he developed unexplained stomach pains. After attempting to play through groin and abdominal discomfort against Lyon in early April, Bocanegra prioritized his World Cup preparations.

The mystery surrounding his condition was finally resolved when he underwent sports hernia surgery with Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck on May 5 in Munich. With the World Cup looming and the opening match against England on June 12 in Rustenburg approaching, Bocanegra received support from Rennes to focus on his recovery. The surgery and careful rehabilitation program proved successful, allowing him to join the U.S. national team's pre-World Cup training camp in Princeton, New Jersey, ready to lead his country in South Africa as captain.