2010 USA Away – Jozy Altidore #17 Small

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was a proud and memorable campaign for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), highlighted by resilience, drama, and a famous group-stage triumph.

• Group Stage (Group C):

  • England 1–1 USA – Clint Dempsey’s long-range equalizer earned a crucial point.

  • Slovenia 2–2 USA – A heroic second-half comeback featured goals from Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley, though a late winner was controversially disallowed.

  • USA 1–0 Algeria – Landon Donovan’s stoppage-time goal sent the U.S. through top of the group — one of the most iconic moments in American soccer history.

• Round of 16: Lost 2–1 (AET) to Ghana, ending the run but solidifying the team’s reputation for heart and determination.

• Result: Reached the Round of 16, finishing 13th overall.

• Key Storyline:

  • Managed by Bob Bradley, the team’s mix of European-based veterans and MLS stars showed balance and spirit.

  • The squad’s energy and unity captured worldwide attention, especially for their late-game comebacks.

• Kit: The 2010 USA away jersey, made by Nike, was a navy-blue shirt with a diagonal white sash, inspired by the 1950 World Cup team that famously beat England. Sleek and patriotic, it quickly became a fan favorite and one of Nike’s most admired U.S. designs.

2. Player’s Impact – Jozy Altidore (2010 World Cup)

Jozy Altidore, then just 20 years old, entered the 2010 World Cup as the U.S. team’s main striker and one of its brightest young prospects.

• Appearances: 4 matches (started every game).

• Statistics: 1 assist (to Dempsey vs. England), numerous key contributions.

• Key Moments:

  • Nearly scored against England when his shot forced a strong save from goalkeeper Robert Green.

  • Provided a pivotal assist for Michael Bradley’s goal vs. Slovenia with a powerful run and pass.

  • His hold-up play and strength were vital in creating space for Donovan and Dempsey to attack from deeper positions.

• Role: Target forward in Bob Bradley’s 4-4-2 system, using physicality and pace to pressure defenses.

• Legacy: Though not prolific, Altidore’s performances in South Africa established him as a key figure in the U.S. attack for years to come. His combination of power, work rate, and maturity made him one of the nation’s most promising forwards of the 2010s.

3. Full Squad List – USA 2010 World Cup

Manager: Bob Bradley

Goalkeepers:

• Tim Howard (Everton)

• Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

• Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)

Defenders:

• Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Étienne, Captain)

• Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)

• Jay DeMerit (Watford)

• Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan)

• Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

• Clarence Goodson (Start)

• Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)

Midfielders:

• Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

• Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

• Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

• Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt)

• Maurice Edu (Rangers)

• Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)

• DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)

• José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)

Forwards:

• Jozy Altidore (Hull City)

• Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)

• Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

• Herculez Gomez (Puebla)