U.S.-Chile Match Is Dooley’s Finale

Thomas Dooley, 37, a veteran of the 1994 and 1998 U.S. World Cup soccer teams and one of the most highly respected players ever to represent the United States, will be honored in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., today when the U.S. plays Chile at Lockhart Stadium.

The game will be Dooley’s 81st and last for the American team, which he captained in the ill-fated France ’98 tournament last summer.

“I think it’s only fitting that he play his final match at home, and leaves [the national team] with a better feeling than what he has now,” U.S. Coach Bruce Arena said.

Dooley, the son of a U.S. serviceman, was born in Germany and spent most of his professional career there. He moved to the U.S. in 1992 and immediately confirmed his reputation as a top-class attack-minded defender and team leader. The Major League Soccer season that begins next month is expected to be his final one as a player for the Columbus Crew, although the team might retain him as an assistant coach.