John Harkes

Who is John Harkes?

John Harkes is an American former soccer player. Harkes was the first American ever to play in the English Premier League, and the second American to score at Wembley Stadium. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He appeared in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, and won two MLS Cup titles with D.C. United, and was the second American footballer to appear in the final of a major English tournament since Julian Sturgis in 1876. Harkes is of Scottish descent.

A mainstay in the US national team midfield for most of the 1990s, Harkes was named the team's "Captain for Life" by then head coach Steve Sampson before having that title stripped from him by Sampson soon after. Harkes ended his national team career with 90 caps and 6 goals. Harkes was formerly a color commentator for the MLS on ESPN, since being replaced by Taylor Twellman. He called matches in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup with JP Dellacamera, and at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Ian Darke.