Defender
Carlos Bocanegra
6' 0"
Carlos’s no-nonsense, battling approach to defense has made him a valued center back. Biography: Nicknamed “Los” by his former Chicago Fire teammates, Carlos Bocanegra’s no-nonsense, battling approach to defense has made him a valued asset in central defense. After a stellar stint at collegiate power UCLA, Bocanegra was snapped up as the fourth overall choice […]
Caps: 53 | Goals: 8
Carlos’s no-nonsense, battling approach to defense has made him a valued center back.
Biography:
Nicknamed “Los” by his former Chicago Fire teammates, Carlos Bocanegra’s no-nonsense, battling approach to defense has made him a valued asset in central defense.
After a stellar stint at collegiate power UCLA, Bocanegra was snapped up as the fourth overall choice in the 2000 MLS Superdraft. It didn’t take him long to settle into his role at the Fire and within the sometimes daunting world of professional soccer overall. Bocanegra was named 2000 Rookie of the Year – no mean feat for a defender in a side loaded with offensive star power.
The defender’s towering stature and blistering speed make him nearly impossible to round on the dribble, and his positional sense sees passing lanes disintegrate practically before they emerge. After being named MLS Defender of the Year in 2002 and 2003, Bocanegra set himself up as a lynchpin in the middle of the U.S. defense.
His move to Fulham in the English Premier League in 2004 helped give Bocanegra the experience that ultimately led to his selection to the 2006 World Cup team and provided him the background for being one of the better players for Bruce Arena in Germany.
USMNT Experience
2008
- Captained team in 2-2 exhibition tie against Mexico in Reliant Stadium, Houston.
2007
- Captained US team three times during Gold Cup, including in final win over Mexico. Scored game-winning goal against Panama in quarter-final. Was rested for Copa America. Scored in 4-2 September exhibition loss to Brazil in Chicago. Captained team in road wins at Switzerland and South Africa.
2006
- Made four appearances for the US National Team, including two starts in the World Cup.
2005
- A regular in the National Team for qualifiers and friendlies with eight appearances, helping to form the core of the backline in Bruce Arena's flat back four.
2004
- Tallied one goal and three assists. Started five of the US' eight World Cup Qualifiers. Made 10 appearances and nine starts overall.
2003
- Scored four goals off corner kicks against Canada, Jamaica, Brazil and Costa Rica in 13 appearances for the National Team.
2003
- Was the first U.S. defender to score four goals since 1994
2002
- Earned praise for solid performance in Gold Cup starting all five games
2001
- Earned first national team cap when he was substituted in for Fire teammate Diego Gutierrez on December 9 at South Korea in a 1-0 loss
2000
- Was beckoned to the full U.S. national team camp by head coach Bruce Arena in January 2001 prior to World Cup Qualifying.
1999
- Was a member of the U.S. under-20 side that reached the second round of the FIFA World Youth Championship.
1999
- Was a member of the U.S. under-23 side that brought home the bronze medal from the 1999 Pan American Games, nabbing his first goal as a U-23 international against Canada.
1997
- Began his charge toward national prominence as a starter for the U.S. under-18 squad.
Professional Experience
2007-08
- Continued with Fulham, now boasting Kasey Keller and Clint Dempsey as fellow US team-mates in addition to McBride. Was in and out of a struggling side in season's first half.
2006-07
- Was Fulham's second leading scorer with five goals, behind Brian McBride, despite playing left back. Helped Fulham narrowly escape relegation.
2005-06
- After opening the 2005-06 season with a minor knee injury, he assumed a regular role in Fulham's central defense ... Played in 14 of 16 league matches for which he was available in first half of the year
2004-2005
- Assumed full-time position for Fulham at left back. Scored his first goal for Fulham in a 4-3 loss at Portsmouth on August 30, 2004.<br>
2004
- Signed deal to play for English Premier League side Fulham.
2003
- Scored a goal and two assists in 19 games leading the Fire to the 2003 MLS Cup title game
2003
- Became first player to win MLS Defender of the Year in consecutive seasons.
2002
- Trained for two weeks with Dutch club Feyenoord.
2002
- Won MLS Defender of the Year starting 26 regular season games.
2001
- Bocanegra finished his second season with Chicago making 13 starts in 15 appearances despite missing time due to ankle injury.
2000
- Was named to Soccer America's MLS Team of the Week three times in 2000.
2000
- Named the Chicago Fire's 2000 BIC Defender of the Year.
2000
- Was named the 2000 Kellogg's MLS Rookie of the Year.
2000
- Chosen by the Chicago Fire as the fourth overall MLS Superdraft pick.