And for a time it seemed that Agoos was never going to play on the greatest stage despite his standing in the American game.
As a 22-year-old Agoos was never seriously considered for a place in Bob Gansler's Italia 90 squad, despite his potential and obvious skill.
Gansler did assemble America's youngest World Cup squad, but opted for experience in defence.
Thus, despite being in the pool of candidates and a legitimate international player, Agoos was left at home.
Four years later Agoos seemed certain to figure in Bora Milutinovic's squad and maybe the team on home soil.
But as the World Cup drew closer, Agoos began to fall out of favour.
Despite earning 33 caps in the two years prior to USA 94, Agoos was among the final group of players released from the preliminary squad.
However, following Milutinovic's departure, Agoos earned a reprieve under Steve Sampson.
Having been a fixture throughout qualification, it seemed only injury could keep him from playing in France.
Instead, it was the arrival of David Regis, a Martinique-born, French-raised defender with an American wife.
Put on the fast track to American citizenship, Regis made his US debut at left-back one month before the World Cup began, and then held it for all three matches at France 98.
Agoos spent the entire tournament on the sidelines.
However, a change in manager saw yet another change in fortune.
Bruce Arena switched Agoos to central defence where he has been a virtual ever-present ever since.
A fixture throughout qualification as well as at this year's Concacaf Gold Cup, Agoos had finally won his chance to appear in the finals.
Yet speaking exclusively to BBC Sport Online prior to leaving for South Korea, Agoos remained understandably cautious.