|
 United States
International Earnie Stewart presented the jersey from his 100th
international match to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In a
pre-game ceremony before the D.C. United vs. MetroStars Major
League Soccer match, Stewart met with Hall of Fame Director of
Communications Jack Huckel and handed over this historic piece
of soccer memorabilia. “Earnie has performed heroically for the
United States in three FIFA World Cups and is only the eighth
player ever to play 100 matches for the U.S. Men,” Huckel said.
“We are excited that Earnie has made this gift and look forward
to sharing it with our
visitors.”
The ceremony included U.S. Men’s
National Team Coach Bruce Arena, D. C. United Coach Peter Nowak
and Hall of Famer Len Oliver in addition to Stewart and Huckel.
“Bruce was very happy to be a part of the ceremony, commenting
that Earnie has earned this honor through his dedication to the
game and to improving soccer in the U.S.” Huckel stated.
Stewart played his 100th
International for the United States on June 20, 2204 in a World
Cup Qualifier against Grenada in St. George. “This is one of the
numbers that I do care about," said Stewart after the game in
response to a question about the fact he has never been a big
'numbers' guy. "It's a great honor to be part of an elite group
that reaches 100 caps. Not many people have that opportunity and
I'm glad I did. … I felt pretty much that after the World Cup it
would be over, but I got closer again. And once you get closer
it becomes something you would like to accomplish. We don't have
much say in it because the coach has the final say, but in the
end it is a fantastic honor for me." It was also Stewart’s 29th
World Cup Qualifying match, the most in U.S. soccer history.
The Museum
expects to place the shirt on display within the next two weeks.
It will join the jersey
Claudio Reyna 100th Cap Jersey, who played his 100th
International on June 2nd.
| |
|
 |
|
(L to R): D.C.
United Head Coach Peter Nowack, U.S. Men's National Team
Coach Bruce Arena, Earnie Stewart, Jack Huckel, and Hall of
Famer Len Oliver |
|
|
|
 |
|
Stewart comes
on for Josh Wolff against Grenada to earn his 100th cap |
|
