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Happy returns Moore, McBride bring kick back to U.S. offense
FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) -- Joe-Max Moore and Brian McBride are back. And so is the U.S. soccer team's offense. Moore scored two goals and assisted on another, and McBride added a goal Wednesday night as the two returned from injuries to lead the United States to a 7-0 victory over Barbados in World Cup qualifying. "They're two very elite forwards. They worked well together," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said. "They're guys who know what their job is. They know how to finish the job." Moore was familiar with Foxboro Stadium, having played here for four years with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. But he signed last winter with Everton, traditionally one of the strongest clubs in England's Premier League. The 29-year-old forward scored eight goals in 19 games last season for Everton, making him - by far - the most successful U.S. non-goalkeeper exported to England. The experience has made him a better player, and now it's helping to improve the U.S. team, too. "He's just more experienced. He's better in front of the goal," midfielder Claudio Reyna said. "He's something that we need: a scrappy guy who can finish, who works hard, who gives you runs." Moore missed the first two World Cup qualifiers while recovering from an injury to his right knee sustained April 8. But he's fit now, playing in seven of Everton's eight preseason games and scoring twice on Aug. 7, against Plymouth Argyle. "It's been quite a while. It's been since November that I've played with the (national) team," Moore said. "So I was quite anxious." Only one man seemed to be unimpressed with Moore - Barbados coach Horrace Beckles. "He's a moderate player," Beckles said after the game. "He's nothing really to be so joyful about." McBride laughed off Beckles' comments. 'If that's his feeling, that's his feeling," McBride said. "Obviously, we feel differently." McBride broke his cheekbone and also missed the first two qualifiers. He has four goals this season for the MLS Columbus Crew and played well for the national team during the U.S. Cup in June. "It felt great to be back with the guys," McBride said. "It's been a long time."
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