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Carlos Bocanegra
Carlos-Bocanegra.jpg
Bocanegra in 2010
Personal information
Full name Carlos Manuel Bocanegra
Date of birth (1979-05-25) May 25, 1979 (age 44)
Place of birth Alta Loma, California, United States
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Defender
Club information
Current club Atlanta United (technical director/vice president)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2003 Chicago Fire 87 (5)
2000 → MLS Pro 40 (loan) 2 (0)
2004–2008 Fulham 116 (8)
2008–2010 Rennes 64 (2)
2010–2011 Saint-Étienne 35 (2)
2011–2013 Rangers 32 (2)
2012–2013 Racing Santander (loan) 23 (0)
2013–2014 Chivas USA 30 (0)
Total 389 (19)
National team
1999 United States U20 4 (0)
1999–2000 United States U23 7 (1)
2001–2012 United States 110 (14)
Honours
Representing  United States
FIFA Confederations Cup
Runner-up 2009 South Africa Team
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2002
Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007
Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011
Third CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003
Men's Soccer
  • Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Carlos Manuel Bocanegra (born May 25, 1979) is an American sports executive and former professional soccer player. A two-time MLS Defender of the Year, Bocanegra also played professionally in England, Scotland, France, and Spain. He earned over 100 caps with the United States, serving as captain for six years. He is currently serving as technical director and vice president for Atlanta United.

Early life and education

Bocanegra was born in Upland, CA on May 25, 1979, to Manuel and Kelly Bocanegra. He was raised in Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he attended Alta Loma High School. He has one brother, Diego, who played soccer at Grand Canyon University, UCLA and Fresno State. Diego is currently the head coach of the University of Houston women's soccer team. His father is of Mexican descent. While attending UCLA, Bocanegra studied history and geography. Prior to attending UCLA, Bocanegra was offered scholarships for American football but opted for soccer, which he thought of choosing as his career. He was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

Club career

Chicago Fire

After playing college soccer at UCLA, Bocanegra signed a Project-40 contract with Major League Soccer and was drafted by the Chicago Fire with the fourth overall pick in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft. He spent most of the year with the Fire, playing two games on loan with Project 40. He won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award for a team that made it to the MLS Championship match and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He became one of the top defenders in MLS, becoming the first player to win the MLS Defender of the Year Award twice, in 2002 and 2003. Bocanegra scored five goals and had eight assists in his four years in MLS.

Fulham

Carlos Bocanegra - Fulham
Bocanegra playing for Fulham in 2007

Bocanegra was signed by Fulham in January 2004, quickly becoming a fan favorite, garnering the nicknames the Jackal and the Black Snake. With Fulham, Bocanegra played primarily as a center back, but also as a left back and briefly as a holding midfielder. During the 2006–07 Premier League season, he was Fulham's second leading scorer with five goals, behind fellow American Brian McBride. On September 1, 2007, Bocanegra captained Fulham for the first time in a Premier League match, a come from behind 3–3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. On September 15, 2007, he made his 100th appearance in the Premier League, all for Fulham, against Wigan Athletic. He was released by Fulham on May 23, 2008.

Rennes

Bocanegra was signed by Rennes in June 2008. He received the number 3 shirt, which is his number for the United States. Bocanegra performed well in his first season in France, appearing in all 38 league matches. He scored his first league goal on March 8, 2009, in Stade Rennais's 2–0 victory over Auxerre. He also scored a goal in a UEFA Cup match and started all the club's Coupe de France matches. These included the 2009 Coupe de France Final at the Stade de France on May 9, 2009, where he scored Stade Rennais' first goal against Guingamp, in the 69th minute.

Saint-Étienne

On July 16, 2010, Bocanegra was purchased by fellow Ligue 1 club Saint-Étienne for a reported fee of £400,000. He wore the number three shirt, as he did captaining the U.S. during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Bocanegra made his debut for the club, on the opening game of the season, in a 3–1 loss against PSG. On December 5, 2010, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–2 draw against Bordeaux; followed up his second goal in the Derby du Rhône, but couldn't help Saint-Étienne win, as they lost 4–1. Bocanegra would be often used in first-team ins and out in his first season. In a match against Nice, on October 17, 2010, Bocanegra suffered whiplash injury, that kept him out for three weeks.

In the 2011–12 season, Bocanegra took the captaincy temporarily following Loïc Perrin's absence, on the opening game of the season, as Saint-Étienne win 2–1 against Bordeaux. This turned out to be his only appearance. He was linked with a move to Rangers, but was warned by Saint-Étienne that they would not sell him.

Rangers

On August 17, 2011, Bocanegra joined Scottish Premier League side Rangers, signing a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Bocanegra made his debut for Rangers against NK Maribor on August 18, 2011, in a UEFA Europa League qualifier. His involvement in this match later caused controversy when Maribor filed a complaint to UEFA regarding the eligibility of Bocanegra's appearance, questioning whether he had the required clearance and paperwork. The protest was rejected by UEFA on August 24 as Maribor did not submit it within twenty-four hours of the match. The club's chief later described the complaint by Maribor regarding Bocanegra's eligibility as 'pathetic mischief making'. He scored his first goal for Rangers in the second leg of the Maribor tie as Rangers crashed out 3–2 on aggregate.

Bocanegra scored his first league goal for the club on September 24 against Dunfermline Athletic in a 4–0 win. His second goal came three months later, on December 17, 2011, during a 2–1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Bocanegra quickly became a fan favorite after a series of solid and impressive performances alongside his center-back partner, Dorin Goian. He was nicknamed Captain America by the Rangers fans and captained Rangers for the first time on January 8, 2012, during a 4–0 win over Arbroath in the Scottish Cup.

During the season, Rangers went into administration over financial problems and a dispute with HMRC, leading to a 10-point deduction. Bocanegra spoke about the event, describing it as a "horrible experience" and encouraging players to light up the dejected fans. He also stated his desire to stay at the club, insisting he was happy there. During an Old Firm 3–2 victory, on March 25, 2012, Bocanegra received a straight red card after fouling Georgios Samaras, conceding a penalty.

After Rangers FC went into administration, in June 2012 the company's assets, including the players' contracts, were purchased by Charles Green's consortium. Although many players departed because of this, Bocanegra's future was uncertain after not attending training, as he wanted to leave in order to play at a higher level. A few weeks later, on July 29, 2012, McCoist appointed Bocanegra captain for the first round of the Challenge Cup- a 2–1 win over Brechin City. After the game Bocanegra announced his intention to stay, vowing not to walk away from the club. He then made six appearances at the start of the season. After being dropped by the national team, Bocanegra joined Racing de Santander on a season-long loan in an attempt to keep his international career alive.

Racing Santander

On August 31, 2012, Bocanegra joined Spanish Segunda División side Racing Santander on a season-long loan. Bocanegra expressed a desire to return to Rangers once his loan deal has expired. He made his debut for the club, on September 22, 2012, in a 1–0 win over CD Mirandés. However, his time at Santander was considered "disastrous", as he failed to start the remainder of the matches, though still played regularly, coming on as a substitute. The club was relegated to next division.

On April 9, 2013, Carlos announced on his Twitter page that he would return to Rangers for the 2013–14 season. Though announcing his return, U.S. National Team Coach Jürgen Klinsmann warned Carlos not to play for Rangers next season.

Chivas USA

In the summer of 2013, Bocanegra left Rangers and signed with Chivas USA. Chivas USA traded up the allocation order with Toronto FC to land his signature, sending a first-round 2015 MLS SuperDraft pick and an international slot to the Canadian club.

Bocanegra retired at the end of the 2014 MLS season.

International career

Carlos Bocanegra (2010)
Bocanegra with the United States national team in 2010

Bocanegra played for the United States at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and earned his first senior cap for the U.S. on December 9, 2001, against South Korea. He became a stalwart for the team in 2003, solidifying his position during the 2003 Gold Cup and leading all defenders with thirteen appearances during that year. During World Cup qualification in 2005, his role with the national team became less clear, as he bounced between roles at center back and left back. On May 2, 2006, Bocanegra was named to the United States World Cup roster for the tournament in Germany. He started two of three games at left back during the 2006 World Cup.

Bocanegra was first-choice captain of the U.S. squad under manager Bob Bradley. Bocanegra captained the national team for the first time in a 4–1 U.S. victory in a June 2, 2007, friendly against China. Bocanegra captained the United States national team that defeated No. 1 ranked Spain to win one of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final games on June 24, 2009. He then continued his leadership duties throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup, starting at left back against England and Slovenia and then as the left-center back against Algeria and Ghana.

On November 15, 2011, Bocanegra joined the 100 cap club achieving his 100th international cap in a friendly against Slovenia. In March 2013, Bocanegra was initially included on the preliminary team for the start of the final stage of World Cup qualification; however, he did not make the final team. Bocanegra's further exclusion from qualification, in part due to his unstable club situation, led to the appointment of Clint Dempsey as captain of the USMNT. Bocanegra was subsequently not a part of the team at the 2013 Gold Cup or the 2014 World Cup.

Post-playing career

Bocanegra was appointed technical director of Atlanta United in March 2015. In October 2017, he signed a new four-year contract with the club, which also added the title of vice president to his role.

He was appointed to co-chair the Technical Development Committee at U.S. Soccer in April 2018.

In September 2020, Bocanegra was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Chicago Fire 2000 Major League Soccer 27 1 4 0 6 0 0 0 37 1
2001 15 1 2 0 6 1 0 0 23 2
2002 26 2 1 0 3 0 3 1 33 3
2003 19 1 4 0 4 0 0 0 27 1
Total 87 5 11 0 19 1 3 1 120 7
Fulham 2003–04 Premier League 15 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 19 0
2004–05 28 1 4 0 3 0 0 0 35 1
2005–06 20 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 21 1
2006–07 30 5 3 0 1 0 0 0 34 5
2007–08 22 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 24 1
Total 115 8 13 0 5 0 0 0 133 8
Rennes 2008–09 Ligue 1 38 1 5 1 0 0 2 1 45 3
2009–10 26 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 29 1
Total 64 2 7 1 1 0 2 1 74 4
Saint-Étienne 2010–11 Ligue 1 34 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 36 2
2011–12 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Total 35 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 37 2
Rangers 2011–12 Scottish Premier League 29 2 2 0 1 0 2 1 34 3
2012–13 Scottish Third Division 3 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 7 0
Total 32 2 2 0 3 0 4 1 41 3
Racing de Santander 2012–13 Segunda División 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0
Chivas USA 2013 Major League Soccer 12 0 12 0
2014 18 0 0 0 18 0
Total 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 0
Career total 383 19 34 1 29 1 10 3 446 24

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
United States 2001 1 0
2002 6 0
2003 13 4
2004 10 1
2005 8 1
2006 4 0
2007 11 2
2008 9 2
2009 14 1
2010 9 1
2011 15 0
2012 10 2
Total 110 14
Scores and results list the United States' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bocanegra goal
List of international goals scored by Carlos Bocanegra
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 January 18, 2003 Lockhart Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, United States  Canada 1–0 4–0 Friendly
2 February 13, 2003 National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica  Jamaica 1–0 2–1 Friendly
3 July 23, 2003 Orange Bowl, Miami, United States  Brazil 1–0 1–2 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup
4 July 26, 2003 Orange Bowl, Miami, United States  Costa Rica 1–1 3–2 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup
5 July 11, 2004 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Poland 1–1 1–1 Friendly
6 June 8, 2005 Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City, Panama  Panama 1–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 June 16, 2007 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States  Panama 2–0 2–1 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup
8 September 9, 2007 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Brazil 1–0 2–4 Friendly
9 March 26, 2008 Wisla Stadium, Kraków, Poland  Poland 1–0 3–0 Friendly
10 August 20, 2008 Estadio Mateo Flores, Guatemala City, Guatemala  Guatemala 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 June 6, 2009 Soldier Field, Chicago, United States  Honduras 2–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
12 March 3, 2010 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Netherlands 1–2 1–2 Friendly
13 June 8, 2012 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States  Antigua and Barbuda 1–0 3–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
14 October 16, 2012 Livestrong Sporting Park, Kansas City, United States  Guatemala 1–1 3–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honors

Chicago Fire

  • U.S. Open Cup: 2000, 2003

United States

Individual

  • MLS Rookie of the Year: 2000
  • MLS Defender of the Year: 2002, 2003
  • MLS Best XI: 2002, 2003

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Carlos Bocanegra para niños

  • List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
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