Twelve years ago yesterday marks a special day in history for the United States Men’s National Team—especially for D.C. United’s own assistant coach Josh Wolff. On February 28, 2012, the USMNT beat Mexico in a World Cup qualifying match in Columbus, Ohio. Entering the game for a black-eyed Brian McBride, then 24-year-old Wolff entered the match eleven minutes in. Then an injured captain Claudio Reyna subbed out towards the end of the first half, giving an opportunity to then New York MetroStar Clint Mathis. Just four minutes later, Mathis hit a long ball over the Mexican back line—a long ball Josh Wolff timed perfectly. Winning the footrace against Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos, Wolff slipped the ball into the empty net and immediately celebrated. Wolff’s contributions didn’t end there. With three minutes left in regulation, he spun a Mexico defender and escaped a double team. Wolff dribbled down the goal line, picked up his head, and slot the ball back for an open Earnie Stewart to calmly finish. The USMNT emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Mexico, bringing glory to the fans in the stadium that day in Columbus, Ohio, USMNT supporters, and Americans everywhere.
