GOAL takes a look at the best players to feature for the Stars and Stripes
The U.S. men's national team has had a complicated history, as it truly took some time for the sport to catch on in America.
But it's fair to say that soccer in America is on the rise thanks to the contributions of several stars across a number of different eras.
From trailblazers like Tab Ramos to icons like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey and even modern stars like Christian Pulisic, the U.S. has no shortage of players to choose from.
But who makes it into the USMNT's ultimate dream XI?
Getty ImagesGK: Tim Howard
We start with what might just be the toughest position to choose from.
Over the years, the U.S. has been defined by the country's ability to produce legitimate goalkeepers capable of playing at the top level. Players like Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Tony Meola are all candidates for this spot, and all are worthy of it depending on the criteria.
But we'll go with Howard, the player that put on what is likely the best big-game performance in USMNT history.
Who can forget that incredible game against Belgium, one which saw Howard make a total of 16 saves? The fact that we remember that performance so fondly despite the fact that the U.S. lost shows just how good Howard was.
With 121 caps to his name and a legendary career at Everton on the club level, Howard gets the nod.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Steve Cherundolo
The Mayor of Hannover.
Perhaps the most underrates USMNT star of all-time, Cherundolo's career can stack up against any other American's. He was a staple at Hannover for 15 years, playing with the club at the highest level in Germany while establishing himself as a local legend.
On the international stage, he earned 87 caps and appeared at three World Cups. For the entirety of his national team career, Cherundolo was as reliable as they come. It took years for the U.S. to truly replace him, and you could easily argue that they never have found someone who is as steady as he is in the full-back position.
ROBERTO SCHMIDTCB: Carlos Bocanegra
You don't get the nickname Captain America for no reason.
Bocanegra was the USMNT's captain for six years and, to this day, remains one of the most well-renowned leaders the national team has ever seen.
He earned 110 caps for the U.S., featuring at two World Cups while winning the Gold Cup twice. On the club level, he was a key figure at Fulham, Rangers, Rennes and Saint-Etienne in addition to being a two-time MLS Defender of the Year with the Chicago Fire to start his career.
GettyCB: Eddie Pope
Unlike many on this list, Pope never made the move to the highest levels in Europe, but he was so good that he didn't need to for him to earn his spot on this list.
A legendary figure in MLS with D.C. United, the Metrostars and Real Salt Lake, Pope won three MLS Cups and was named to the MLS Best XI four times. He was also a part of three World Cup squads, including in the legendary 2002 team.
There are other contenders for this spot, players like Alexi Lalas and Marcelo Balboa, but it's near impossible to leave off Pope given what he meant to the national team throughout his career.