Hosting the World Cup for the only time in 1994 helped soccer gain traction in the United States. The Americans, as the host, automatically qualified, and then surprised many by advancing to the knockout stage before losing to eventual champion Brazil 1-0 in the Round of 16. The success of the event led to the formation of Major League Soccer in 1996, and the sport has continued to increase its footprint in the U.S.
Here's a look back at the 22 players on the U.S. World Cup team in 1994, and what they've done since that summer:Remembering 1994 U.S. World Cup Team Slideshow
1. Tony Meola: Goalie, Captain
After the 1994 World Cup, Meola spent 10 in MLS soccer with the MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards and New York Red Bulls. Meola earned 100 caps with the USMNT and 32 shutouts. Meola was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012. Meola is now CEO of Gk1 Sports, a sport apparel an equipment company.
2. Mike Lapper: Defender
Lapper had 44 appearances and one goal during his time with the national team. Lapper played in Europe from 1994-1997 before signing with the Columbus Crew in the MLS. After retirement in 2002, Lapper worked in the Columbus organization from 2005-2013. Lapper is currently an assistant coach for the West Virginia University men's team.
3. Mike Burns: Defender
Burns made 75 appearances for the national team from 1992-1998. Burns played for the New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes and Kansas City Wizards. Burns retired from soccer in 2002. He is currently the General Manager of the New England Revolution.
4. Christopher "Cle" Kooiman: Defender
Kooiman made 12 appearances during his time with the national team. As a Mexican league standout, Kooiman was captain of Cruz Azul. After injuries derailed his career in 1998, Kooiman became the director for Aresenal FC in Temecula, California. Kooiman is currently the technical director of Platinum FC in San Bernardino, California.
5. Thomas Dooley: Defender
Dooley played in the 1994 World Cup and was captain for the 1998 World Cup. Dooley made 81 appearances for the National team, scoring seven goals. After retiring in 2000, Dooley became the head coach of FC Saarbrucken in Germany from 2002-2003. Dooley is currently the manager of the Philippines national team.
6. John Harkes: Midfielder
Harkes was the first American to score to Wembley Stadium, as well as earning 90 appearances and six goals for the national team. Harkes was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. Harkes is currently a soccer analyst for Comcast SportsNet.
7. Hugo Perez: Midfielder
Perez appeared in 73 matches for the national team between 1984 and 1994, scoring 16 goals for the United States. Perez was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008. Perez became the principal of the Living Hope Christian School after he retired.
8. Earnie Stewart: Forward
Stewart appeared in 101 games for the United States, scoring 17 goals from 1990-2004. After retiring from soccer, Stewart became a front office executive for AZ Alkmaar, a team in the Netherlands. Stewart was able to sign Jozy Altidore in 2012, helping his squad to a quarterfinal finish in the UEFA Cup.
9. Tab Ramos: Midfielder
Ramos appeared in 81 games for the national team, scoring eight goals from 1988-2000. Ramos is currently the manager for the U.S. Men’s National U-20 team and an assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann on the senior national team.
10. Roy Wegerle: Forward
Wegerle appeared in 41 games, scoring seven goals for the United States from 1992-1998. Wegerle played throughout England before his time with the national team, even playing in 15 games for Chelsea. After his retirement, Wegerle tried to become a professional golfer.
11. Eric Wynalda: Forward
Wynalda played in 107 games, scoring 34 goals for the national team. Wynalda was the all-time leader in scoring for the national team until 2008 when Landon Donavan scored against Sweden. Wynalda is currently a soccer analyst for Fox Sports 1's "Fox Soccer Daily."
12. Juergen Sommer: Goalkeeper
Sommer only made 10 appearances for the national team. Sommer played in England for seven years before signing with the Columbus Crew in 1998. Jurgen currently coaches the Indy Eleven of the NASL, as well as serving as assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers men's team.
13. Cobi Jones: Midfielder
The Hall of Famer appeared in 164 games for the national team, scoring 15 goals. Jones holds the record for most appearances for the national team. After retiring in 2007, Jones was an assistant coach for the LA Galaxy for two seasons before becoming a broadcaster for the team.
14. Fotios "Frank" Klopas: Forward
Klopas appeared in 39 games for the national team, scoring 12 goals. After Klopas retired as a player, he became the manager for the Chicago Fire in 2011. After missing the playoffs during the 2013 season, Klopas did not return to the Fire. Klopas is currently manager and director of player personnel for the Montreal Impact.
15. Joe-Max Moore: Forward
Moore appeared in 100 games and scored 24 goals for the national team between 1992 and 2002. Moore most notably played for Everton in the Premier League from 1999-2002. Moore was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2013.
16. Mike Sorber: Midfielder
Sorber scored two goals in his 67 appearances with the national team. Sorbor played five seasons in the MLS before retiring in 2001. Sorbor has been an assistant coach for Saint Louis University, Montreal Impact and Philadelphia Union since retiring.
17. Marcelo Balboa: Defender
Balboa was the first American to play in 100 games for the national team. Balboa's national career included appearances to the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. Balboa appeared in 128 games for the national team, scoring 13 goals. Balboa, who has worked as a TV analyst, is currently coach of the boys soccer team at Monarch High School in Louisville, Colorado.
18. Brad Friedel: Goalkeeper
Friedel is the only member of the 1994 World Cup team who is still playing professional soccer. Friedel has played in England since 1997 with Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa and currently Tottenham. Friedel has 82 appearances for the national team, but none since 2005.
19. Claudio Reyna: Midfielder
Reyna was on the roster for four World Cups (1994-2006). In 111 matches, Reyna scored eight goals for the national team. Reyna most notably played for Manchester City from 2003-2007. Reyna was elected to the National Hall of Fame in 2012. Reyna manages the Claudio Reyna Foundation, which provides soccer training to underprivileged youth.
20. Paul Caligiuri: Defender
Caligiuri was the player who scored the first World Cup goal in 1990, which was the first tournament appearance for the United States in 40 years. Caligiuri scored five goals in 110 matches for the national team. Caligiuri was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004. Caligiuri was the coach at Cal Poly-Pomona men's and women's soccer teams until 2008.
21. Fernando Clavijo: Defender
In four years with the national team, Clavijo made 61 appearances. After his playing career, Clavijo helped coach Nigeria in the 1998 World Cup. As a head coach, Clavijo had stints with the Haitian national team and the Colorado Rapids in MLS. Clavijo was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. He currently works for FC Dallas as the technical director.
22. Alexi Lalas: Defender
Lalas, one of the most recognizable faces of U.S. Soccer, appeared in 96 games for the United States, scoring eight goals. Lalas was the first American player to play in Serie A, the top Italian soccer league. After permanently retiring in 2004, Lalas went on to have a career in the MLS front office for the LA Galaxy and behind the microphone with the band Gypsies. Lalas is currently an ESPN soccer studio analyst.
