Dellacamera to Call MLS, U.S. National Team Soccer for ESPN
JP Dellacamera Replaces Often-Criticized Dave O’Brien
By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/31/2008 11:11:00 AM
ESPN is giving its lead soccer play-by-play job back to an established soccer broadcaster with the announcement that JP Dellacamera will assume the top job for both Major League Soccer and U.S. National Team broadcasts.
Dellacamera’s hire ends the run of Dave O’Brien, who is one of ESPN’s better talents on Major League Baseball and college-basketball telecasts but was a controversial pick for ESPN to handle the last World Cup due to a perceived lack of background in the sport.
A longtime soccer commentator for ESPN and elsewhere, Dellacamera will now bring his experience of six World Cups to calling games featuring David Beckham and the rest of MLS.
Joining Dellacamera in the booth will be John Harkes, a former Fox Soccer Channel announcer who was previously a captain of the U.S. National Team, as well as an assistant coach in MLS. He replaces Eric Wynalda.
The new duo takes over prior to the 2008 MLS season and as qualifying nears for the 2010 World Cup. They will debut Feb. 6 in an exhibition between the U.S. and Mexico.
Allen Hopkins continues as a sideline reporter, as do Rob Stone and Julie Foudy in their studio roles.
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This just in espn has made the correct choice to put jp dellacamera back as the lead soccer annoucer. I think this is only the second decison that i have ever liked they only other one was hiring jon scaimbi and then lead to him replacing bob rathuman on the sportsouth/Fsn South telcast of braves baseball. Getting back to jp he will be vary busy to stay the least calling 61 games a year for the atlanta Thrashers which he does a great job on. The NY Red bulls game and now the espn 2 prime time thursday games. Congrats
James Richards - 2/11/2008 2:40:00 PM EST -
I've known JP for 38 years. I remember when he was doing minor league sports in Erie, Pa; Rhode Island; and other whistle-stops when there were more people working the concession stands than there were people sitting in the stands. JP has paid his dues. ESPN has made an excellent choice.
Albert McGilvray - 2/1/2008 8:26:00 AM EST
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