Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 35-50: Behind the scenes

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Michael Bradley
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 19: Michael Bradley #26 of the United States looks on against El Salvador in the second half during the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal at Lincoln Financial Field on July 19, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

37. Michael Bradley, U.S. Soccer

Michael Bradley is a lightning rod. That is both his appearance to the media and his position on the field.

Bradley wears the captain’s armband for the U.S. Men’s National Team. And so much of the success and (mostly) the blame for the team’s struggles falls on him. When he underperforms, everyone notices it. When he does his job, of course he did his job.

Working mostly at the back end of the diamond in the 4-4-2, Bradley serves as the last line of defense in the middle third of the field and the distributor into the attack. It is the role he is best at. But Bradley has had his struggles too. And his team has followed suit.

The United States is in good shape to make the World Cup Final, but that was not the case a few months ago. That is when the team fired coach Juergen Klinsman and hired former coach Bruce Arena. Arena has steadied the ship. And that has followed with Bradley’s steadier play.

The United States has a pair of World Cup qualifying games coming up this week, but even with victories there, the team’s game against Panama at Orlando City Stadium on Oct. 6 will be huge. It is the last home game for the team in World Cup Qualifying.

To be sure, there are big names who will take the pitch that day. But whether or not the United States makes the World Cup in Russia next summer will fall to the team’s captain, Michael Bradley.