Know Your Yanks: Gregg Berhalter

It's time for another injury replacement! Isn't this exciting? No? You're probably right. Nevertheless, we plug away, because that is the purpose of getting to know our Yanks. Let's talk about Gregg Berhalter, shall we?

Gregg Berhalter is a U.S. soccer veteran, having made his pro debut in 1994 with Dutch side FC Zwolle. Since that time, he has bounced around Europe, seeing action with Sparta Rotterdam, Cambuur Leeuwarden, Crystal Palace, and, most recently, Energie Cottbus, where he became squad captain in 2004 and gained promotion to the 1. Bundesliga in 2006. It has recently been announced that he will play with 2. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich in the upcoming season.
Berhalter has been in the U.S. national picture since 1994, even seeing time as a starter during the USA's 2002 World Cup quarterfinals run. He is a tall central defender, capable of using his size and strength to overpower opponents in the air, or to muscle forwards off the ball. Although he makes smart decisions and positions himself well, he is more than a step slow, a factor which could keep him off the field in Germany. He is on the World Cup roster as an injury replacement for Cory Gibbs, who went down with a knee injury, and will be ready when called upon to fill in where necessary.

Career Highlights:

1994: Makes pro debut with FC Zwolle (Netherlands, Eerste Divisie). Makes U.S. Men's National Team debut.

1996: Joins Sparta Rotterdam (Netherlands, Eredivisie).

1998: Joins Cambuur Leeuwarden (Netherlands, Eerste Divisie).

2001: Joins Crystal Palace (England, Division One).

2002: Joins Energie Cottbus (Germany, 2. Bundesliga). Advances to quarterfinals of World Cup with USA, before elimination against Germany.

2004: Named captain of Energie Cottbus.

2006: Gains promotion to 1. Bundesliga with Energie Cottbus. Joins TSV 1860 Munich (Germany, 2. Bundesliga) from Energie Cottbus on a free transfer.