2008 USA home – Landon Donovan #10 Large

The year 2008 was a transitional but important one for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) as they prepared for the 2010 World Cup under head coach Bob Bradley.

• 2008 Friendlies:

  • The U.S. played several high-profile matches, including a 0–0 draw against Argentina at Giants Stadium and a tough 1–0 loss to Spain in Santander.

  • These games gave the squad experience against elite opposition.

• 2010 World Cup Qualifying:

  • Began the semifinal round of CONCACAF qualifiers in August 2008.

  • The U.S. topped their group (with Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba, and Guatemala), finishing with 15 points out of 18 and securing progression to the Hexagonal.

• 2009 Confederations Cup Qualification:

  • By winning the 2007 Gold Cup, the U.S. had already qualified for the 2009 Confederations Cup, so 2008 was focused on building squad chemistry.

• Key Storyline: This was the peak of the Landon Donovan era — he was captain, record-breaking scorer, and the creative heartbeat of the team.

• Kit: The 2008 USA home jersey, designed by Nike, featured a classic white base with a vertical red sash across the chest (a nod to the 1950 World Cup team that upset England). It remains one of the most beloved U.S. kits ever made.

2. Player’s Impact – Landon Donovan (2008)

Landon Donovan, the all-time leader in goals and assists for the USMNT, was at his peak in 2008.

• Appearances: Featured in friendlies, qualifiers, and as captain throughout the year.

• Goals: Scored 9 goals in 2008, including several in World Cup qualifying.

• Key Performances:

  • Scored in the 2–0 win over Mexico in February.

  • Netted important goals in qualifiers against Guatemala and Cuba.

  • Played a key role in the 0–0 draw vs. Argentina, where his creativity helped the U.S. earn a result against one of the world’s best teams.

• Role: Wore the #10 shirt, operating as an attacking midfielder/forward. His pace, vision, and technical ability made him the undisputed leader of the national team.

• Legacy in 2008: Donovan surpassed Brian McBride’s record to become the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men’s team this year, cementing his place as the face of American soccer.

3. Full Squad List – USA 2008 (Core Squad Used in World Cup Qualifying)

Manager: Bob Bradley

Goalkeepers:

• Tim Howard (Everton)

• Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

• Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders, until mid-year retirement)

Defenders:

• Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, Captain)

• Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)

• Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liège)

• Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)

• Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew)

• Jay DeMerit (Watford)

• Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)

Midfielders:

• Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy, Captain)

• Michael Bradley (Heerenveen)

• Maurice Edu (Toronto FC / later Rangers)

• Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo)

• DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)

• Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

• Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA)

Forwards:

• Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)

• Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls / Villarreal move in 2008)

• Eddie Johnson (Fulham / Cardiff City loan)

• Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)