In the best overall season ever for Americans abroad, John O'Brien celebrated two titles with one of the world's great clubs.
If playing in tense situations strengthens the nerves, then the U.S. players should be well-steeled for challenges ahead after this season. Of the 16 players in the national team pool who ply their trade in Europe, four were on teams hunting for a league title, six were involved in a battle against relegation and four others were fighting for playing time through much of the year.
Leading the way was midfielder John O'Brien, who, after leaving home at age 16 and investing six years in the Ajax system only to be shackled by injuries, finally had a healthy campaign. O'Brien appeared in 26 games for the legendary Amsterdam club, one more than he had in the past two seasons combined. Furthermore, Ajax regained its throne atop the Dutch Honor Division for the 28th time in team history, but the first time in four years. Ajax added the Dutch Cup to its mantle with a victory in the final over Utrecht, the club where O'Brien made his First Division debut while on loan three years ago.
''It was great, especially in the league,'' O'Brien said. ''Coming down to the end – the last four or five games we had to get good results, and every weekend there was a lot of pressure on us. Everyone expected us to give [the lead] up.''
But Ajax not only silenced its doubters, it also awoke its fan base.
The Ajax faithful ''were definitely a little bit dormant,'' O'Brien says. ''They had been spoiled by what's happened in the past and were a little disinterested. But I think we've shown them we're playing a different style, with a lot of young players, a lot of creative players, and I think the crowds liked that.''
With two years left on his contract and positive words from the coaching staff, O'Brien left for the World Cup secure in his full-time employment.
Most of the Americans abroad have similar confidence in their club situation. Earnie Stewart has said he will play out the final year of his contract with NAC Breda and then try to join MLS. At Nuremberg, Tony Sanneh has found the playing time he lacked at Hertha Berlin. Brad Friedel signed a four-year extension with Blackburn after the fans named him the team's unofficial MVP. Claudio Reyna is a candidate for Sunderland's captaincy next season. And after a long wait on the bench, Kasey Keller seems poised to begin next season as Tottenham's man in net.
''I think I'm going in as the favorite for next year, which is all I can really ask for,'' Keller said. ''[The coaches] said they were going to give me some time off after the World Cup because they need me to be well-rested for next season. I don't want to read into that too much, but I know I need to come back from the World Cup, be ready to go in preseason and prove that I should be the starter.''
Those more uncertain include Frankie Hejduk, David Regis, Gregg Berhalter, Jovan Kirovski and Eddie Lewis, who desperately wants out of Fulham.
''I met with the manager and the club, and we agreed that if it's a fair situation, I'll be allowed to go,'' Lewis said, ''but unfortunately, there are never specifics given. It's always quite vague and, in the end, they can always say no, or they can ask for as much as they want.''
Given that Lewis is entering the final year of his contract, Fulham would seem wise to sell him, since he will go to another team for free after next season if the club keeps him.
''I'll treat the summer as if I'm playing for a job, but by no means am I expecting to be let go,'' Lewis says. ''I'll assume I'll be back in London.''
by Soccer America Senior Editor Will Kuhns