Once Upon a Time

It seems like just yesterday, Benny Feilhaber was basking in the glory of a solid 2007 year with the United States Men's National Team, which was highlighted by his game-winning golazo in the Gold Cup Final against arch-rival Mexico.

The Brazilian-born player's career looked promising, and a move to newly promoted Derby County in the Premiership seemed like a step forward. It didn't turn out that way.

Coaching changes, injuries, and poor play all plagued Feilhaber's stint at Derby, as he saw little playing time. Yet fans remained optimistic that the 23-year-old still had the talent to get it it done with the National Team.

Feilhaber made an appearance off the bench in a friendly against Mexico back in February and provided the Americans with a calming presence in the midfield that had been absent all game long.

A month later, he was surprisingly cut by Peter Nowak from a group of U-23 players that would attempt to qualify for the Olympic games. Fans speculated that poor attitude, and an on-the-field argument with teenage sensation, Freddy Adu, contributed to his dismissal.

In May, the midfielder was called up to an U-23 team that would compete in the Toulon Tournament in France. The team consisted of mostly back-ups looking to impress Nowak and it was captained by Feilhaber himself. That was until he picked up a serious injury against Turkey. The injury would force him to not return to action for club or country for the most part of the summer. The five-foot, nine-inch player missed three big friendlies against England, Spain, and Argentina that could've raised a few scouts' eyebrows.

However, Feilhaber went through rehab and was released by the relegated Rams, as they prepared for their Coca-Cola Championship season. Speculation began between fans on where Benny would go. Many thought he would go to Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel, who had expressed interest in the American during the Winter Transfer Window. Another possible destination was the MLS, but Benny seemed determined to stay abroad.

Feilhaber made the Olympic squad that played in Beijing. He didn't start any of the group stage matches, although he was used as a sub in all three. His most impressive game during the Olympics was in the final match against Nigeria, where he looked composed, receiving balls from the defense, and starting attacks by stringing passes together with the forwards. The 10-man USA team almost managed to come from behind and tie Nigiera, but they fell just short losing 2-1. The American midfielder however, made an impression.

The valiant effort in the final Olympic match brought a potential new suitor for the former Hamburg player. AGF Aarhus of the Danish Superliga had expressed interest before the Olympics, and offered Feilhaber a contract afterwards. He put pen to paper in mid-August. Fans thought it was a good move as he would finally see consistant playing time.

Unfortunately, once again, it didn't work out that way. It took Feilhaber a few weeks to be granted a work permit, but once it was received, he began to play. Shortly after, the American picked up a slight injury in a league match. A closer examination revealed that the once promising player needed surgery and would be out until the Spring of 2009.

Feilhaber has remained positive, but with so much gone wrong for the talented midfielder, he may miss out on the World Cup in 2010. By the time he even returns to his club, he'll have little more than a year to get back in Bob Bradley's good graces. If that's enough time, remains to be seen, especially with young midfielders Sacha Kljestan, and Maurice Edu emerging as potential starters for South Africa.

Most fans have given up hope on the talented midfielder, and with good reason. However, there's no denying that Feilhaber has a skill set rarely seen in an American and could still make the 2010 team if he returns from injury and plays to the level that he's capable of.

If he can accomplish that, then just maybe, fans will embrace him once again and be able to remember him for more than a Gold Cup winning wonder-strike against Mexico.


Does Feilhaber have any chance of making the 2010 squad? Can he revive his career, or is it too late? Is Aarhus a good fit for him, or should he make a move to MLS? Share your thoughts below.