During the historic U.S. win over Argentina July 14, Paul Caligiuri became the second U.S. player, after Marcelo Balboa, to make 100 national team appearances.

Caligiuri is the longest-serving active national team member, having debuted against El Salvador in 1984 at age 20.

SOCCER AMERICA: What’s the key to your longevity?

PAUL CALIGIURI: I’ve been fortunate that for the most part I’ve been injury-free. Also, after I left UCLA I went straight to the top level by going to Germany. And during slow periods, I’ve worked hard to stay fit, which helps you keep form.

What were the most memorable of the 100 games?

The win over Trinidad & Tobago [1989], because it qualified us. The World Cup 1994 win over Colombia. And the recent win over Argentina. And, of course, the first time I represented my country. I had tears in my eyes and remember the feeling real well.

What was you most difficult time?

A year before the 1994 World Cup, we were in the midst of the selection process, my contract with U.S. Soccer was up for renewal in a month, and I was left off the Gold Cup roster.

It was a very difficult moment. I had a chance to go to Germany or England and had to decide what to do. But I believe that if you start something you have to finish it, so I focused on the national team, changed my attitude, worked hard, and was selected.

You have a reputation for excelling in important games.

It’s not necessarily learning to handle pressure, because I still get butterflies. I thinks it’s because the tougher competition is, the more I rise to meet both the physical and technical challenges.

How is the national team different now from your early years?

The experience. We have players who played in two World Cups, two Gold Cups, two Copa Americas and a series of U.S. Cups. But while we’ve closed the gap between us and the rest of the world, we’ve increased it between the national team players and the players coming out of college and the Olympic team.

What are your club plans?

The MLS is a possibility. But I need to play now. I am talking to clubs in Germany, England and Brazil.

How long do you plan on playing for the U.S.?

I’d like to say until the year 2000. Realistically, I think I can play through the 1998 World Cup. I think this team is very confident it can qualify.

by Soccer America Senior Editor Mike Woitalla