Clint Mathis

Clint Mathis

Clint Mathis was born on November 25th, 1976

Full Name: Clint Mathis
Nationality: American
Profession: Soccer player, coach
Position: Forward
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Weight: 155 lb
College: University of South Florida
League: MLS

A former professional soccer player and current coach, known for scoring a crucial goal in the 2002 World Cup, helping the US team advance to the quarterfinals.

Written by: Sofia Garcia Sofia Garcia

Clint Mathis: The American Soccer Sensation

A Legendary Goal-Scorer

Clint Mathis is a name synonymous with American soccer, and for good reason. The former professional soccer player is renowned for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, which earned him a coveted spot in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he scored one goal.

Rising Through the Ranks

Born on November 25, 1976, in Conyers, Georgia, Mathis began his soccer journey at a young age, playing for Rockdale Youth Soccer Association and later for AFC Lightning, a Georgia powerhouse that produced talents like Ricardo Clark. He went on to play school soccer for Heritage High School, winning a state championship before moving on to the University of South Carolina.

College Success and Accolades

At the University of South Carolina, Mathis played for the Gamecocks, alongside future US national teammate Josh Wolff. His impressive performance earned him a consensus first-team All-American title in 1995 and a third-team selection in 1997. He also holds the record for single-season points (53) and goals (25), and is third all-time in total points (121) and career goals (53). Mathis was a three-time finalist for the prestigious Hermann Trophy and helped lead the Gamecocks to the NCAA Tournament in 1994, 1995, and 1997.

Professional Career Highlights

International Career and Legacy

Mathis's impressive performance at the club level earned him a spot in the US national team, where he played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Although his international career was cut short, his legacy lives on as one of the greatest American soccer players of all time.

Personal Milestones and Trivia

  • Mathis is one of only two South Carolina athletes to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
  • He is a two-time MLS All-Star (2000, 2002).
  • Mathis was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

Influence on Modern Soccer

Clint Mathis's incredible goal-scoring ability and charismatic personality have inspired generations of American soccer players. His legacy continues to be felt in the soccer community, and he remains an icon of American soccer excellence.

Timeline
1976
Born in Georgia
Clint Mathis was born on November 25, 1976, in Conyers, Georgia. He would go on to become a professional soccer player.
1998
MLS Debut
Mathis made his MLS debut on March 21, 1998, for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
2000
Scores in World Cup Qualifier
Mathis scored a goal in a World Cup qualifier against Chile in 2000.
2002
Traded to New York
Mathis was traded to the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in 2002, where he played for two seasons.
2005
Retires from Soccer
Mathis retired from professional soccer in 2005, after playing seven seasons in MLS.
Clint Mathis

Clint Mathis Quiz

What position did Clint Mathis primarily play during his professional soccer career?

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FAQ
What is Clint Mathis most notable soccer achievement?
Clint Mathis is most notable for his goal-scoring performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he helped the US national team reach the quarterfinals.
What teams did Clint Mathis play for in his professional soccer career?
Clint Mathis played for several teams, including the LA Galaxy, MetroStars, and Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, as well as Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga.
What awards did Clint Mathis win in his soccer career?
Clint Mathis won several awards, including the MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy in 2002 and the US Soccer Athlete of the Year award in 2001.
What is Clint Mathis doing now in his coaching career?
After retiring as a player, Clint Mathis transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Chicago Fire and later becoming the head coach of the Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the USL Championship.
How did Clint Mathis get involved in youth soccer development?
Clint Mathis is involved in youth soccer development through his work with the Clint Mathis Soccer Academy, which provides training and coaching to young players in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.

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