Midfielder
John O’Brien
5' 8"
Biography of retired USMNT soccer player John O'Brien who was part of the Ajax system and played in the 02 and 06 World Cups.
Caps: 32 | Goals: 3
John O’Brien’s versatility in midfield allowed him to play both creative and holding roles or even on the wing, where his left-footed crosses make him a dangerous proposition.
O’Brien’s successful play overseas with one of Europe’s premier clubs, Ajax Amsterdam, enhanced his reputation as one of the most technically gifted US midfielders of his generation. His performance as defensive midfielder and play maker in the 2002 World Cup earned him numerous plaudits.
Despite injuries, O’Brien became the first American to play in the quarterfinals of the European Champions League.
In the spring of 2006, O’Brien signed with Chivas USA in Major League Soccer. While injuries got in his way once again and limited his play with his new club to just one game, he was able to make Bruce Arena’s World Cup team in the summer of 2006. O’Brien played in the second half of the team’s 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic in their opening game.
USMNT Experience
2006
Made four appearances with the US National Team, including 45 minutes of action against the Czech Republic in the World Cup.
2005
Played in seven matches and scored one goal in his long-awaited return to the US National Team. He was also a part of the team that won the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
2004
Did not see action due to season-long injury.
2003
Returned to play in the 2-0 win over Venezuela in Seattle.
2002
One of three players for the to play every minute (450) of the 2002 World Cup. Scored second career goal for the US with opening goal against Portugal on June 5, and assisted on Clint Mathis' goal vs. South Korea.
2001
Played in five matches, including four crucial final round CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup.
2000
Scored his first full international goal in the 7-0 win over Barbados in the second round of CONCACAF qualifying. Played all 570 minutes of the 2000 Olympics, and helped lead the US to a first-ever fourth-place finish.
1999
Sidelined from full National Team duty with injuries and club commitments. Scored in his only appearance with the U-23s in a friendly against Liverpool.
1998
Received his first cap in a win over Austria in Vienna on April 22. Earned an alternate role on the 1998 World Cup squad.
1995
Led the U-20 team to the second round of the 1995 World Youth Championship in Malaysia.
1993
Played on the U-17 team that placed seventh at the 1993 FIFA World Championships in Japan.
Professional Experience
2006
Only saw action in five minutes of one game for Chivas USA due to a variety of nagging injuries after being signed in the spring. His last season in professional soccer.
2004-05
Released by Ajax at the beginning of 2005, signed on with Den Haag.
2003-04
A hamstring tear kept O'Brien out of action most of the season.
2002-03
Became the first American to play in the quarterfinals of the European Champions League against AC Milan.
2001-02
Fourth in minutes played for Ajax as the team won the Eredivisie and the Amstel Cup.
2001
Injured for much of the 2000-2001 season, returned in May to first-team action at right full-back.
1999
Made his first-team debut on September 15 in Ajax's opening UEFA Cup match, subbing in for Aaron Winter in the 77th minute.
1998
Signed three-year contract with Ajax in March of 1998.
1994
Joined Ajax's youth training program in the summer after coach Co Adriaanse visited his home in California.
Youth and College
Youth and college: Attended Brentwood High School until he was 16.
