# Benny Feilhaber

> American soccer player

**Wikidata**: [Q84359](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q84359)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Feilhaber)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/benny-feilhaber

## Summary
Benny Feilhaber is an American professional soccer player known for his career as a midfielder in Major League Soccer (MLS) and international play for the United States men's national team. Born in Brazil to American parents, Feilhaber became a key figure in U.S. soccer, contributing to the national team's successes in tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 19, 1985 (exact location not specified in source material)
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Northwood University (Florida campus)
- **Known for**: Midfield play for the U.S. men's national soccer team and MLS clubs
- **Employer(s)**:
  - U.S. men's national soccer team
  - MLS clubs (including Sporting Kansas City, Los Angeles FC, and others)
  - Formerly played for European clubs such as Hamburger SV (Germany) and Derby County (England)
- **Field(s)**: Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Benny Feilhaber has made significant contributions to soccer through his professional career and international play. He played a pivotal role in the U.S. men's national team, including scoring a memorable goal in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico, which helped secure the championship for the U.S. His club career in MLS and Europe showcased his technical ability and leadership as a midfielder, influencing younger players in the sport. Feilhaber also contributed to the growth of soccer in the U.S. through his consistent performances in domestic leagues, particularly during his tenure with Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles FC.

## FAQs

**What teams has Benny Feilhaber played for?**
Benny Feilhaber has played for multiple professional soccer teams, including Hamburger SV in Germany, Derby County in England, and several MLS clubs such as Sporting Kansas City, Los Angeles FC, and the New England Revolution. He also represented the U.S. men's national team in international competitions.

**What is Benny Feilhaber’s most notable achievement with the U.S. national team?**
Feilhaber’s most notable achievement with the U.S. national team was scoring the winning goal in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico. This goal secured the championship for the U.S. and remains one of the defining moments of his international career.

**Did Benny Feilhaber play college soccer?**
Yes, Benny Feilhaber played college soccer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and later at Northwood University in Florida. His time at UCLA helped develop his skills before transitioning to professional soccer.

**What position did Benny Feilhaber play?**
Benny Feilhaber played as a midfielder, known for his technical skills, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. His role often involved distributing passes and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

**Has Benny Feilhaber won any awards or honors in soccer?**
While specific awards are not detailed in the source material, Feilhaber’s contributions to the U.S. national team and his performances in MLS have earned him recognition as a skilled and influential player in American soccer.

## Why They Matter
Benny Feilhaber’s impact on soccer extends beyond his individual performances. As a midfielder for the U.S. men's national team, he played a crucial role in key victories, including the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which elevated the team’s standing in international competitions. His career in MLS and Europe helped bridge the gap between American and international soccer, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of U.S. players abroad. Feilhaber’s technical ability and leadership on the field inspired younger generations of American soccer players, contributing to the sport’s development in the country. His legacy is marked by his consistency, versatility, and dedication to the game.

## Notable For
- Scoring the winning goal in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final for the U.S. men's national team.
- Representing the U.S. in international competitions, including World Cup qualifiers.
- Playing for prominent European clubs such as Hamburger SV (Germany) and Derby County (England).
- Contributing to the success of MLS clubs like Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles FC.
- Being a key midfielder for the U.S. national team during a pivotal era in American soccer.

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Benny Feilhaber was born on January 19, 1985, though the exact location of his birth is not specified in the source material. He holds American nationality but was born in Brazil, reflecting his multicultural background. This dual connection to both countries influenced his soccer career, particularly his ability to adapt to different playing styles and environments.

### Education and Early Soccer Career
Feilhaber attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college soccer. His time at UCLA helped him develop his technical skills and gain exposure to competitive soccer. He later transferred to Northwood University in Florida, continuing his soccer career while pursuing his education. These experiences laid the foundation for his transition to professional soccer.

### Professional Club Career
Feilhaber’s professional career began in Europe, where he played for Hamburger SV in Germany’s Bundesliga. His time in Europe provided him with valuable experience in one of the world’s most competitive soccer leagues. He later joined Derby County in England, further expanding his international exposure.

After his stint in Europe, Feilhaber returned to the U.S. to play in Major League Soccer (MLS). He became a prominent figure in the league, playing for clubs such as Sporting Kansas City, Los Angeles FC, and the New England Revolution. His performances in MLS were marked by his technical ability, vision, and leadership as a midfielder. Feilhaber’s contributions to Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles FC were particularly notable, as he played a key role in their successes during his tenure.

### International Career with the U.S. Men’s National Team
Feilhaber’s international career with the U.S. men’s national team was a defining aspect of his soccer journey. He made his debut for the national team in 2007 and quickly became a reliable midfielder. His most memorable moment came during the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, where he scored the winning goal against Mexico, securing the championship for the U.S. This goal cemented his place in U.S. soccer history and remains one of the highlights of his career.

Feilhaber also represented the U.S. in World Cup qualifiers and other international tournaments, contributing to the team’s efforts to qualify for major competitions. His technical skills and ability to control the midfield made him a valuable asset to the national team during a critical period in its development.

### Playing Style and Influence
Feilhaber was known for his technical prowess, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game. As a midfielder, he excelled in distributing passes, creating scoring opportunities, and maintaining possession. His playing style influenced younger American players, demonstrating the importance of technical skill and tactical awareness in soccer. Feilhaber’s ability to adapt to different leagues, from Europe to MLS, showcased his versatility and resilience as a player.

### Legacy and Impact
Benny Feilhaber’s legacy in soccer is defined by his contributions to both club and international play. His performances for the U.S. national team, particularly in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, left a lasting impact on American soccer. His career in MLS and Europe helped raise the profile of American players abroad and inspired future generations of soccer talent in the U.S. Feilhaber’s technical ability, leadership, and dedication to the game continue to serve as a model for aspiring soccer players.

## References

1. Argentine Soccer Database
2. As
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013