Ireland v USA: Brad Friedel with hair, the most Irish commentary ever and big Gary Doc

You know Gary Doherty is only 34?

It feels like he’s been that age for two decades.  But between the surprisingly tender ages of 20 an 25, the Donegal man won 34 Irish caps and he scored the winner the last time we met USA all of 12 years ago now.

2002
Republic of Ireland 2 USA 1
Friendly, Lansdowne Road

Of our last three meetings, both teams have won one with the other finishing in a draw but, back in April of 2002, we were preparing for a little trip to Saipan and Gary Doherty was making sure we were preparing right.  There’s also a cracking Mark Kinsella goal in here from the ’02 clash at Lansdowne Road that finished 2-1 to Mick McCarthy’s men.

2000
USA 1 Republic of Ireland 1
US Cup, Massachusetts

Back at the start of the millennium, McCarthy took the country stateside to compete in the 2000 US Cup.  Although Ireland actually never lost in the tournament comprising of South Africa, Mexico and the hosts, it was America who went on to win it but they were held by a Dominic Foley goal in Foxboro Stadium.

This highlights reel is just extraordinary for what must be the most Irish commentary of all Irish commentaries of all time.  Nice slide Dominic as well…

1996
USA 2 Republic of Ireland 1
US Cup, Massachusetts

From the most Irish commentary ever to the most American one.  Not even good, old David Connolly could knock the yank out of this guy as he describes a US victory with all the enthusiasm you’d expect from an American watching the sport for the first time.

Oh, and Brad Friedel has hair as well.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10