WATCH: Barack Obama Call to Tim Howard & Clint Dempsey

U.S. President Barack Obama called two of the USMNT’s heroes, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, as the two were traveling back to Los Angeles on July 3.

The team were returning home after their heroic 2-1 loss to Belgium in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16.

The president told the pair that they had “captured the hearts and minds” of the country. The commander-in-chief also reminded the Howard that he’s now a huge celebrity in the U.S. now. Obama told Howard, “I don’t know how you’re gonna survive the mobs when you come back.” His advice to Howard was for the U.S. goalie to shave his beard.