Money quotes: when Everton asked to extend the loan from three months to 18, the recently married McBride nixed the deal. "We didn't want to throw away seven years in Columbus for one year over there," McBride says, "and then come back to Columbus and say, 'Hey, I'm welcome, right?'" With the national team, McBride explains, "I'm basically the guy to get in the box, while in Columbus it's been more about me connecting the defense to the offense." Arena says the Crew attack "may not be tailor-made to Brian's qualities. Their other forwards [Edson Buddle and Jeff Cunningham] like to play in the midfield, and a lot of times they get in his way. The passing lanes aren't there, so he doesn't get the ball in the same spots as he does for us." http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/news/2003/05/13/soccer/ Somebody find Segroves- he'll be needing a defibrillator right about now.
I think the Crew offense fits Brian a lot better. If the US team ever struggles they end up just trying to send long ball after long ball to Brian. If the offense struggles in Columbus he can at least come back and try to help out and get the ball himself.