Cory Gibbs graduated from Brown University as the Ivy League Soccer Player of the Year in 2001 and the game has since taken him around the world.
But the spring, in particular, was shaping up as the greatest period of his sporting career. In early May, he signed to play with Charlton in London (work permit pending).
"Playing Premiership football has always been my dream and I was flattered to have such options," he said in early May. "But having met with the representatives from Charlton I was hugely impressed."
He was also named to the U.S. team for the 2006 World Cup. With his size and muscle, Coach Bruce Arena thought that the 26-year-old defender could be very important in physical matchups.
But then he sustained a torn ligament in his right knee in an exhibition match with Morocco in late May and the tear required immediate surgery. Sadly, he will be watching the sport's grandest event from home.
“Naturally we are very sorry for Cory,” said Arena. “We know he was looking forward to playing in his first World Cup. I believe strongly in him as a player. We are going to miss him.”
Teammate DeMarcus Beasley proved that point by wearing Gibbs' jersey under his own in a final tuneup against Latvia.
"It's unlucky for him not to be a part of this," said Beasley. "He's my best friend on the team — my best friend, period. I tried to score a goal on TV so that I could show him I'm thinking about him and the whole team is thinking about him."
Cory Gibbs graduated from Brown University as the Ivy League Soccer Player of the Year in 2001 and the game has since taken him around the world.