News from the Hall

Media Advisory: Hall of Fame Election Announcement Scheduled for Monday, March 10, at Noon
ONEONTA, NY - (March 7, 2008)
WHAT: National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum Election 2008 Announcement in the Builder, Player and Veteran Player categories

WHEN: Monday, March 10th at Noon

HOW: Via electronic press release and National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum web site, www.soccerhall.org

FOLLOW-UP: Following the announcement on Monday, Hall of Fame and Museum President Steve Baumann will be available for media interviews by calling 607/432-3351 x209. Interviews may be scheduled in advance. The newly elected members of the Hall of Fame will also be available via telephone with details to be made available at the time of the announcement.

Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Builders Ballot
ONEONTA, NY (January 28, 2008) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum announced the 2008 Builders Ballot today. Among the best-known individuals on the ballot are former U.S. Men’s National Team coach Bruce Arena, Chuck Blazer, member of the FIFA Executive Committee and General Secretary of CONCACAF, the regional governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean region, former U.S. Soccer President Dr. Bob Contiguglia, University of North Carolina and former U.S. Women’s National Team coach Anson Dorrance, United Soccer Leagues Founder and President Francisco Marcos, and D.C. United President Kevin Payne.

Builder candidates were selected by vote of the Builder’s Screening Committee, a 16-member committee made up of selected Hall of Famers, from a list of 53 eligible candidates.

Individuals advancing to the Builders Ballot:

- Bruce Arena – coach, Univ. of Virginia, D.C. United, U.S. Men’s National Team, New York Red Bulls
- Esse Baharmast – MLS, National and international referee
- Chuck Blazer – soccer administrator and executive, FIFA Executive Committee Member, CONCACAF General Secretary
- Robert ‘Bob’ Contiguglia – former president of U.S. Soccer and Chair, U.S. Youth Soccer
- Bill Cox – soccer investor, founder of the International Soccer League in the 60s, president of the NASL’s San Diego Toros
- Gino D’Ippolito – NASL, National and international referee
- Anson Dorrance – Univ. of North Carolina and U.S. Women’s National Team coach
- Bob Gansler – MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team coach
- Robert Kraft – MLS investor - operator, New England Revolution
- Frank Longo – collegiate soccer and U.S. Soccer administrator
- Joe Machnick – collegiate coach, professional referee, currently Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for On-Field Competition at Major League Soccer
- Francisco Marcos – Founder of the United Soccer Leagues and current president of USL
- Fritz Marth – former Executive Director of U.S. Amateur (now Adult) Soccer Association
- Thom Meredith – executive with the North American Soccer League, U.S. Soccer and the Women’s United Soccer Association
- Kevin Payne – President and CEO, D.C. United of Major League Soccer
- George Strawbridge – owner of the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies

More information about each of the Builder candidates is on the Hall of Fame and Museum’s web site, www.soccerhall.org.

The Ballot will be submitted to all Hall of Famers and a select group of current soccer administrators for their vote. The builder candidate who receives the most votes, as long as the total represents at least 50% of the ballots cast, will be elected to the Hall of Fame. In 2007 former U.S. Soccer President and Chair of the 1994 World Cup Organizing Committee Alan I. Rothenberg was inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Veteran Ballot
ONEONTA, NY (January 24, 2008) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum today announced the 2008 Veteran Ballot highlighted by several long-retired U.S. National Team and North American Soccer League (NASL) stars. Among the best-known are attacking genius George Best of Northern Ireland and the NASL, midfield maestro Teofilio “Nene” Cubillas of Peru and the NASL, outstanding central defender Linda Hamilton of the 1991 World Champion U.S. Women’s National team, Hugo Perez, scheming midfielder of the 1994 U.S. World Cup team, and Kyle Rote, Jr., NASL leading scorer and 3-Time SuperStars Champion.

Players were selected to the Veteran Ballot from the over 300 eligible players by vote of the 16-member Veteran Screening Committee, which is made up of selected Hall of Famers.

Here is a complete list of the veteran players selected for the Veteran Ballot:
- Desmond Armstrong – U.S. National Team (81 caps, 1987 – 1994)
- Barry Barto – U.S. National Team (16 caps, 1972 – 1975), NASL (1972 – 1977, Montreal, Philadelphia Atoms, and Fort Lauderdale)
- George Best – Northern Ireland, NASL (1976 – 1981, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, and San Jose)
- Hubert Birkenmeier – Germany, NASL (1979 – 1984, New York Cosmos)
- Teofilo “Nene” Cubillas – Peru, NASL (1979 – 1983, Ft. Lauderdale)
- Steve David – Trinidad and Tobago, NASL (1974 – 1981, Miami, Los Angeles, Detroit, California, San Diego, and San Jose)
- Linda Hamilton, U.S. Women’s National Team (71 caps, 1987 – 1995)
- John Kerr, Jr. – U.S. Men’s National Team (16 caps, 1984 – 1995), MLS (1996 – 1997, New England)
- Bill McPherson – American Soccer League (1922 – 1931), St. Louis Major Soccer League (1932 – 1934)
- Bruce Murray – U.S. National Team (85 caps, 1985 – 1993)
- Glenn “Mooch” Myernick – U.S. National Team (10 caps, 1975 – 1979, NASL (1977 – 1984, Dallas, Portland, and Tampa Bay)
- John “Harp” O’Connell – U.S. National Team (4 caps, 1949 – 1954), American Soccer League (1946 – 1956, Brooklyn Wanderers, New York Americans, and New York Hakoah)
- Hugo Perez – U.S. National Team (73 caps, 1984 – 1994), NASL (1982 – 1984, Tampa Bay, and San Diego)
- Bob Rigby – U.S. National Team (6 caps, 1973 – 1975), NASL (1973 – 1984, Philadelphia Atoms and Fury, New York Cosmos, Los Angeles, Montreal, and Golden Bay)
- Kyle Rote, Jr. – U.S. National Team (5 caps, 1973 – 1975), NASL (1973 – 1979, Dallas, and Houston)

Biographies of each are available on the Hall of Fame and Museum’s web site, www.soccerhall.org.

The Ballot will be submitted to all Hall of Famers for a vote. The veteran who receives the most votes, as long as the total represents at least 50% of the ballots cast, will be elected to the Hall of Fame. In 2007 U.S. National Team and NASL veteran Bobby Smith was elected to the Hall of Fame with 50% of the vote.

Soccer Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Ballot
ONEONTA, NY (January 11, 2008) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum released the 2008 Player’s Ballot to voters today. The ballot has 22 holdovers from the 2007 election and 13 newcomers. The top holdovers include U.S. National Team stalwarts Thomas Dooley (5th named on 51.8% of the ballots cast), Joy Fawcett (3rd on 67.4%), and Joe-Max Moore (6th on 48.2%). Among the newcomers are U.S. Men’s National Team stars Jeff Agoos, Preki, and Earnie Stewart. Top MLS players on the ballot include holdovers Marco Etcheverry (4th on 58.2%) of DC United, Peter Nowak (9th on 29.1%) of the Chicago Fire, and Carlos Valdarrama (7th on 46.8%) who finished his illustrious MLS career with the Colorado Rapids. Complete 2007 election results are available on the Hall of Fame website, www.soccerhall.org.

Players who receive votes on 75% of the ballots cast will be elected to the Hall of Fame. Induction 2008 is planned for the weekend of August 22 – 24 at the Hall of Fame and Museum in Oneonta, NY. Here is a complete list of eligible players:

+ Jeff Agoos – Brian Bliss Mike Burns + Mark Chung Mauricio Cienfuegos + Troy Dayak Raul Diaz Arce Thomas Dooley John Doyle Marco Etcheverry Joy Fawcett + Danielle Fotopoulos + – First year of eligibility Lastyear of eligibility

+ Robin Fraser + Brian Kamler Dominic Kinnear Frank Klopas + Manny Lagos Roy Lassiter + Shannon MacMillan Pato Margetic Joe-Max Moore Victor Nogueira Peter Nowak + Oscar Pareja

Cindy Parlow + Preki Radosavljevic Mike Sorber + Earnie Stewart Steve Trittschuh Carlos Valderrama Tisha Venturini-Hoch Peter Vermes – Roy Wegerle + Evan Whitfield + Richie Williams

Biographies of the eligible players are available on the Hall of Fame website, www.soccerhall.org.

Among the voters are over 100 media personnel from the print, broadcast, and on-line communities, National Team and qualified MLS Coaches, national soccer administrators, and Hall of Famers. In total over 200 individuals are eligible to vote in the 2008 election.

In 2007 Julie Foudy and Mia Hamm were elected to the Hall of Fame. Hamm set a new standard for the vote having been named on 97.2% of the ballots cast, the highest percentage in Hall of Fame history. The Class of 2007 was the first all female player class in the Hall’s history. Foudy and Hamm were the 6th and 7th female players elected. Only 128 Players have been elected to the Hall of Fame in its 58-year history.

The Veteran Player and Builder Ballots will be distributed in the upcoming weeks. The announcement date for the election results will publicized shortly.

Yeagley, Sanderson Selected to NSCAA Hall of Fame
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) has selected legendary Indiana University coach Jerry Yeagley and Paul “Sandy” Sanderson, whose tireless efforts help grow the association at the high school level, as the 43rd and 44th members of its Hall of Fame.

Yeagley began his remarkable coaching career at the helm of the men’s club team at Indiana in 1963. After 10 years and a record of 78-25-7, the team was elevated to varsity status, beginning a run that is unparalleled in men’s intercollegiate soccer. During Yeagley’s 31 years as varsity coach the Hoosiers compiled a 544-101-45 record, made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances and won six national titles. In the first 13 years that the Big Ten held a conference championship, Yeagley’s team claimed 10 titles.

A six-time NSCAA National Coach of the Year, he has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times, record totals for both awards. He received the NSCAA’s Bill Jeffrey Award, recognizing long-term service to intercollegiate soccer, in 1987, and the association’s Honor Award in 1997. He concluded his tenure at Indiana in 2003 with an 18-match unbeaten streak on the way to his sixth NCAA title. Under his direction, Indiana players have been named NSCAA All-America 49 times, while 65 have played soccer professionally. Twenty Hoosiers have played for the U.S. National Team.

Sanderson joined the Suffield (Conn.) Academy staff in 1952, where he taught history, mechanical drawing and public speaking in addition to his coaching responsibilities in soccer, basketball and tennis. During his tenure he also served as Suffield’s Director of Admissions and Assistant Headmaster and spent four years as the school’s Headmaster. As the varsity soccer coach, he fashioned a 156-77-22 career record before leaving Suffield in 1978 to work for the American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers (ASSIST).

His efforts to grow the sport branched in several directions. He was founder and president of the Western New England Preparatory School Soccer Association and was president of the NASL’s Hartford Bicentennials from 1974-76. He also served as a vice-president of the NSCAA and received two Letters of Commendation from the association, recognizing his coaching success, organizational efforts for prep school soccer and his work to attract independent and high school coaches into the NSCAA. Those efforts laid the foundation for the association’s growth into the largest coaches association in the world, with a membership that now exceeds 25,000. Sanderson passed away in 1986.
Yeagley and Sanderson will be inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame at the association’s annual Awards Banquet, which will be held Friday evening, Jan. 18, 2008, at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore, Md.

Based in Kansas City, Kan., the NSCAA is the largest coaches' organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1941, it has grown to include more than 25,000 members who coach both genders at all levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition program that presents nearly 10,000 individual awards every year. It fulfills its mission of coaching education through a nationwide program of clinics and week-long courses, teaching more than 4,000 soccer coaches each year. For more information, please visit www.NSCAA.com.

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Ralston One Game from History
Oneonta, NY (November 9, 2007) – New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston tied the all-time record for games played in American first division professional soccer in the Revolution’s 1 – 0 victory over the Chicago Fire in the MLS Cup playoffs. Ralston played in his 370th first division game last evening. Should he appear in the MLS Cup Championship, he will set a new standard in professional soccer.
 
“Steve Ralston has been a quiet presence in Major League Soccer for 12 seasons,” Steve Baumann, Hall of Fame President, said. “His consistent play and his ability to stay relatively injury free have contributed to being on the doorstep of this record of longevity.” Ralston joined MLS in its first season, playing for the Tampa Bay Mutiny. The St. Louis native has been with the Revolution since the 2002 season.
 
“When one looks at the scope of soccer history in the United States, there have been three first division leagues that have reached the public in measurable ways: The American Soccer League of the 20s was a popular league, playing its big games often in front of more than 10,000 fans, but the Great Depression along with short-sighted owners, wiped out the league in the early 30s; then the North American Soccer League, primarily of the 70s, that brought Pele to the United States and some credit with the boom in young soccer across the country, and Major League Soccer,” said Hall of Fame Historian Roger Allaway. “Each of those leagues had world-class soccer talent among its players and created a history to the game in America. By tracking Steve’s accomplishments in relation to Bill McPherson and Bart McGhee of the ASL and Giorgio Chinaglia and Rick Davis of the NASL, the Hall of Fame is bringing into historical perspective the magnitude of Steve’s accomplishment. Soccer is a very difficult game in which to have a lengthy playing career. The physical demands of the game at the professional level are enormous and accomplishments of this proportion deserve recognition,” Allaway continued.
 
The top ten is games played (as of November 9, 2007) are:

Kevin Hartman of the Kansas City Wizards will join this list at 315 games played in his next match.

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Los Angeles Galaxy’s Cobi Jones Moves to 4th in All-Time Games Played
ONEONTA, NY (October 15, 2007) – Cobi Jones moved into a tie for 4th place on the All-Time Games Played register with his appearance in the Galaxy’s match against Toronto FC this past weekend. Jones eclipsed recently retired MLS veteran Chris Henderson and is tied with American Soccer League Hall of Famer Jimmy Gallagher (Class of 1986) at 349 career games played. Jones is one of two MLS players in the top 5, with New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston currently second with 366 games played. Both are chasing all-time leader Bill McPherson, whose ASL career extended from the early 20s into the mid 30s.
 
The All-Time Games Played list, compiled by the historians of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum, includes all regular season and playoff games played in three major leagues, the American Soccer League of 1921 – 1931, the North American Soccer League of 1967 – 1984, and Major League Soccer since its first game in 1996.

In his next game, Jones will move into sole possession of 4th place on the list and, should the Galaxy make the MLS playoffs, be in position to become 3rd in games played.
 
Jones is also the games played leader for the United States Men’s National Team, having appeared in 164 international matches between 1992 and 2004.
 
Ralston can become the All-Time leader this season should he play the final regular season match and should his MLS team, the New England Revolution, progress to MLS Cup 2007 and he play in every match.

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Hall of Fame to Open Early for World Cup Semifinal Match
ONEONTA, NY (September 24, 2007) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame will open early on Thursday, September 27 for fans to view the World Cup Semifinal match between U.S. Women’s National Team and Brazil on the large video screen in the Museum. “After a great win over England Saturday morning, it only gets more difficult for the team,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “Brazil has a perfect record in this World Cup, the only team that has won all its games. We invite local fans to gather and cheer together at the Hall of Fame!”
 
This semifinal is a repeat of the 2004 Athens Olympic Final when the USA defeated Brazil 2 – 1 in overtime to win the Gold Medal.
 
Doors will open at 7:45 AM. Admission is $5. It’s a Bring Your Own Breakfast affair.
 
The U.S. defeated England 3 – 0 in its quarterfinal match, while Brazil defeated Australia 3 – 2. The two goals by Australia were the first the Brazilians had allowed in the tournament and the USA’s 3 goals was its best offensive output so far in the World Cup. The other semifinal, slated for Wednesday morning, will be between reigning World Cup champion Germany and Norway.

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Hall of Fame to Open Early for World Cup Quarterfinal Match
ONEONTA, NY (September 18, 2007) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame will open early on Saturday, September 22 for fans to view the World Cup Quarterfinal match between U.S. Women’s National Team and England on the large video screen in the Museum. “It’s now do or die in the World Cup,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “These are games that can turn on a moment, either one brilliant play or one mistake and one team’s dreams will be over. We’ll be here cheering for the U.S. to advance to Wednesday’s semifinal!”
 
Doors will open at 7:45 AM. Admission is $5. It’s a Bring Your Own Breakfast affair.
 
The U.S. won Group B in the preliminary round of the tournament and faces England, the team that finished second to Germany in Group A. The U.S. is considered one of the favorites along with Germany, Brazil, and the host nation China.

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Hall of Fame to Open Early for Important World Cup Match
ONEONTA, NY (September 17, 2007) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame will open early on Tuesday, September 18 for fans to view the important U.S. Women’s National Team World Cup match against Nigeria. “A tie will guarantee the team goes to the quarterfinals,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “But we will be cheering for a victory, which could put the U.S. in first place in the group, an important advantage for the next game.”
 
The U.S. opened the World Cup with an unexpected tie against North Korea, but confirmed their top international ranking with a convincing 2 – 0 victory over #3-ranked Sweden. The team is one of the favorites; joining Germany, host China, and Brazil as those teams most likely to raise the World Cup trophy at the Final on September 30. Should the United States advance to the Final, the Hall of Fame will repeat its popular “Breakfast at the World Cup” event at 7:30 on the 30th.

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Hall of Fame Honors Historian Jose
ONEONTA, NY (September 4, 2007) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame has named retiring Historian Colin Jose Historian Emeritus in tribute to his long years of excellent service. Jose was recognized at the President’s Dinner during Induction 2007 by past-President and Hall of Famer George Brown, stating, “Colin’s service not only to the Hall of Fame but to soccer in the United States is exemplary. He single-handedly recreated the history of U.S. Men’s international play and is the acknowledged expert on the American Soccer League and the North American Soccer League histories.”
 
The 71-year-old Jose was presented a plaque at the dinner and said, “I may be retiring from the primary status of Historian, but I will remain very much available to answer inquiries the Hall receives. I have some of my own projects I want to complete and they need to take priority at this time.”
 
Roger Allaway of Philadelphia, who has served as the Official Researcher of the Hall of Fame, was named Historian by the Board of Directors. Allaway has been active with the Hall of Fame for just short of 15 years in various volunteer capacities. He currently develops the eligibility lists for Hall of Fame elections. He is also the author of several books on the history of soccer in the U.S., including the Encyclopedia of American Soccer History, written with Jose.

Left to right: George Brown, Colin Jose, and Roger Allaway

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Hall of Famer Peter Merovich Passes Away
ONEONTA, NY (September 12, 2007) – Hall of Famer Peter Merovich of Castle Shannon, PA, passed away on Monday, September 10. He was 88 years old. Peter began a playing career in the West Penn Junior League in 1935 and continued playing until 1957. He played in the Amateur Cup Final of 1947 and was a participant in the 1948 Olympic Trials.

Peter was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971 as a Builder in recognition of his long years of service as the Commissioner of the U.S. Open Cup, the National Amateur Championship, and the National Junior Championships.

“Peter’s story in soccer is typical of many,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “He began as a player and became an administrator to help other players reach their competitive dreams. While the story is typical, the success is not. Peter played at the highest competitive level available at the peak of his career and managed important championships during years when soccer was not sports page news. The championships he managed have become bigger and better events thanks to his dedication and hard work.”

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Jamie Moreno Record Breaking Soccer Shoes Goes on Display
ONEONTA, NY (August 31, 2007) – The soccer shoes D.C. United forward Jaime Moreno used to set a new Major League Soccer career scoring record have gone on display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “These shoes represent a career of excellence for Jaime and we are excited to share them with the soccer fans who visit us,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “Jaime’s 12-year MLS career has been characterized by great success – four MLS Cup wins, six MLS All-Star selections, five times a member of the MLS Best XI, and a selection to the 10th season MLS Best XI. His attainment of this record speaks well for his consistency.”
 
“It is a privilege to share my soccer shoes with the Hall of Fame,” United forward Moreno said. “I take great pride in playing is this League. It is very competitive and to be the top goal scorer in its history is indeed an honor. To have that honor multiplied by an exhibit in the Hall of Fame is very special.”

Moreno’s shoes have been placed in the MLS display alongside two other career record holder uniforms, the Kansas City Wizard goalkeeper jersey of Kevin Hartman, who set a career shutout record this season, and Steve Ralston’s New England Revolution jersey from the match when he set the MLS career assist record.

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Steve Ralston Record Setting Uniform Goes on Display
ONEONTA, NY (August 30, 2007) – The New England Revolution uniform Steve Ralston wore to set the Major League Soccer record for career assists has been placed on display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “I am very happy to share the uniform and the moment with the Hall of Fame and all the fans that visit the Hall,” Ralston said. “The record is a special one to me because I surpassed my old teammate Carlos Valderama, someone I think of as a tremendous set-up player.”
 
“Steve’s donation of his uniform is important for us,” Hall of Fame Director of Museum and Archives Jack Huckel said. “Our mission is to celebrate the history and preserve the legacy of soccer and both of these are encompassed in this donation. We will proudly display the uniform and celebrate the record-setting accomplishment that it embodies.”
 
The Hall of Fame is open every day, changing to Winter Hours beginning Tuesday, September 4. Winter Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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Induction 2007 Sets Record Attendance
ONEONTA, NY (August 28, 2007) – The Induction 2007 Ceremony and Hall of Fame Game set record attendance numbers for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. With an estimated audience of 5,000 fans, players, and invited guests for the ceremony, the Hall of Fame shattered its previous largest ceremony audience of an estimated 800 in the Museum in 2005. The Hall of Fame Game was a total sell out with over 3,000 tickets sold.

 
“What a way to begin my tenure as Hall of Fame President,” Steve Baumann said. “To be introduced in front of the largest Induction audience ever was indeed a thrill. It is a testimony to the hard work of my predecessor, Hall of Famer George Brown, our great staff, and the very productive partnership we have formed with The Century Council. And, of course, it is credit to the stellar careers of the four inductees – they have made soccer more visible and more important in America. Our record attendance is testimony to that.”
 
Induction 2007 was the first held outdoors since the construction of the dedicated Museum building in 1999. The stage set took full advantage of the 20-foot diameter bursting ball sculpture, a unique architectural feature that graces the building. The sculpture served as a most appropriate backdrop for all the ceremony festivities.
 
Induction is an annual event planned for the final weekend in August. It is the culmination of a yearlong process of elections for new membership in the Hall of Fame for Players, Veteran Players, and Builders. For more information on the election process and to plan for Induction 2008, visit the Hall of Fame web site at www.soccerhall.org

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Hall of Fame to Open Celebrating Women in Soccer Exhibits
ONEONTA, NY (August 23, 2007) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame will officially unveil the new Celebrating Women in Soccer display on Saturday evening at the President1s Reception and Dinner. "What a great way to highlight the progress women have made in soccer as we honor two of the great pioneers in the United States," Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. "Not only are the accomplishments of these two outstanding women
chronicled, but women from the earliest days of the 20th Century and the first days of the U.S. Women's National Team program are also honored in images, text, and memorabilia. The overall display is wonderful."

The Celebrating Women in Soccer exhibit includes display cases entitled The Early Years, The Game Grows, The Year That Was, and The Game Continues. Through photographs, memorabilia, and text the display gives a sense of history to the women who played soccer over the last century and the teams
for which they competed. The memorabilia includes the jersey worn by Stacey Enos in the first match won by the U.S. Women1s National Team, the Olympic warm-up jacket of Hall of Famer Michelle Akers, the ball that Brandi Chastain struck to win the 1999 FIFA Women1s World Cup in the penalty shoot-out, and the Washington Freedom jersey of Hall of Famer Mia Hamm. Also on display in conjunction with the exhibit is the World Championship for Women1s Football trophy won by the U.S. Team in 1991, on loan courtesy of FIFA, and the WUSA Founders1 Cup Trophy, on loan courtesy of league founder John Hendricks.

"The Museum is excited about this new display and the opportunity to tell some of the stories of women's soccer," Baumann continued. "The women have contributed enormously to the growth of the game in the United States and have certainly earned this recognition in the museum."

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Hall of Fame Announces Hall of Fame Game - Washington Freedom vs. Connecticut Reds
Hall of Famers Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Carla Overbeck to play
ONEONTA, NY (July 30, 2007) - The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced today that the Washington Freedom will be pitted against the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds in the Hall of Fame Game to be held on August 26th, in conjunction with Induction 2007. The match will feature appearances by the newest Hall of Famers, Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, as well as former teammates such as Hall of Famer (Class of 2006) Carla Overbeck.

The Freedom, coached by former Olympic and National Team player Jim Gabarra, currently plays in the United Soccer Leagues W-League where they are in the League Championship Playoffs. “This historic game needs to be on every soccer fan’s calendar!” said Gabarra “We are very excited and honored to have the opportunity to share in Mia and Julie’s induction ceremony. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our team to have Mia again put on a Freedom jersey.”

The Washington Freedom, featuring Mia Hamm, was the 2003 Championship team in the WUSA, the world’s premier professional women’s soccer league. When the league suspended operations in the Fall of 2003, the coaching staff stayed together and, with the support of Discovery founder John Hendricks, they formed the Washington Freedom Soccer Club, with the mission of offering programming and development of soccer talent from 8-year-old girls up to the elite level of play. The Freedom recently won the Northeast Division title with a 12-1-1 record.

The Reds, who play in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), are coached by Tony DiCicco and are in the Final Four of the prestigious U.S. Open Cup National Championship. Among his accomplishments, DiCicco won both Olympic Gold and the 1999 Women’s World Cup during his 6-year tenure as the U.S. Women’s National Team coach. The W-League and WPSL are, at present, the top women’s leagues in the U.S.A.

World Cup champions and Olympic gold medalists Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Carla Overbeck all captained the U.S. National Team, and all three played for DiCicco who said, “Many of the players in this Hall of Fame Game will end up in the new women’s professional league when it launches. And, how many more times, if ever, will fans get a chance to see Mia, Julie and Carla on the field together”? Also making appearances will be several members of the 1986 U.S. Women’s National Team, which is being honored by the Hall of Fame during the induction weekend. The 1986 team beat Canada 2-0 in 1986, for the first-ever win by the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Mia Hamm said “I am looking forward to stepping on to the field with my longtime teammates as it will certainly bring back many wonderful memories. We look forward to playing with both the younger professional players as well as with the pioneers from the 1986 team.” Hamm, who is married to baseball player Nomar Garciaparra, is the mother of 5- month-old twin daughters. Julie Foudy, who is the mother of an 8-month old girl, said “Even if we are only making cameo appearances, I get an adrenaline rush just thinking of playing with Mia and Carla one more time. I can’t wait.”

“We are delighted that the Hall of Fame Game will showcase these fine young athletes who play for the Freedom and the Reds ” said George Brown, President of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “It is particularly fitting that the game will follow right on the heels of our inducting Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy – an historic occasion since they represent the first-ever, all female class of Players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1950. The appearances by Hamm, Foudy, Overbeck and other former national team players will make it a hugely entertaining match. When Mia appeared at the Hall for the Washington Freedom in 2001, the game was an early sellout and we expect this will be the same.”

The game will be played on the At-A-Glance Field at the Hall of Fame in Oneonta, NY. Kick-off is 2pm, immediately after the Induction ceremony. Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased by calling 607 432 3351. Tickets are limited and all are General Admission. Special groups rates are available. The Induction Ceremony, which commences at 12:00 pm, is free and open to the public. For more information on the Induction Weekend go to www.soccerhall.org

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Multi-year partnership raises awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and empowers young women to make smart decisions
ONEONTA, NY - (July 23, 2007) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced today the Induction 2007 ceremonies on Sunday, August 26th in Oneonta will be presented by The Century Council’s Girl Talk: Choices and Consequences of Underage Drinking. U. S. Women’s National Team stars, two-time Olympic Gold Medalists, and two-time World Cup Champions Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy will be honored by induction into the Hall of Fame in the Player Category.
 
“We are delighted to enter into a long-term partnership with The Century Council,” said George Brown, President of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “A key element of our mission statement is to ‘ Inspire the Youth’, which dovetails perfectly with The Century Council’s message to teenage girls about the importance of leading active, healthy lives and making smart choices.  We look forward to working with this fine organization to stage Induction 2007, as well as on many other programs in the future.”
 
Brown went on to say “The Century Council’s 5-year commitment is $500,000 and, in addition, it is underwriting the major portion of mounting the Induction 2007 ceremony. It is anticipated that, over the next five years, The Century Council will be contributing to other Hall programs, which are appropriate to its message.”
 
“Induction 2007 is an historic occasion since it is the first time in the Hall’s history that an all-women class was elected in the Players Category.  It is fitting that this induction be sponsored by a program that aims to educate teenage girls on the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and the importance of leading healthy and active lifestyles,” said Ralph Blackman, President & CEO of The Century Council.  “Julie Foudy and Mia Hamm exemplify Girl Talk’s mission and The Century Council and Girl Talk are honored to be part of this wonderful opportunity to highlight the careers of two women who had the drive to achieve their goals on and off the playing field.”
 
In 2007, The Century Council has committed $50,000 in Girl Talk scholarships to afford young girls the opportunity to attend soccer camps hosted by their US Women’s Soccer Team role models and mentors. Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Shannon Boxx, Tiffany Roberts, Tiffeny Milbrett, Shannon MacMillan, Heather Mitts and Leslie Osborne’s summer camps have hosted Girl Talk events and provided educational materials to campers.

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The Final Whistle for Harry Rodgers
Robert Henry “Harry” Rodgers, long-time referee, NSCAA Honor Award Winner (1970), and NISOA Hall of Famer (Inaugural Class of 1964), passed away on Thursday, July 12 at his home in Boca Raton, Florida. Affectionately known by friends as simply “Harry,” Rodgers was approaching his 105th birthday when he succumbed, having spent a lifetime in our sport.
Rodgers did his early refereeing in the Eastern Pennsylvania area, and was well known in the amateur, college, and high school ranks. Often paired with Hall of Famer Jimmy Walder, we often heard “Rodgers and Walder” are our referees today, knowing that we would be experiencing strong and sensible officiating whatever the level of play.
As a player, I knew Harry Rodgers from the time I was 13 years old through my collegiate playing career. Always consistent and fair in his vertically striped shirt, I never had a complaint about his officiating nor was there ever any controversy. “Harry called it so it must be the right call.”
Rodgers received many honors during his 80-year career in refereeing, but one of the most significant was being the first inductee into the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) Hall of Fame in 1964. When he retired, Rodgers and his wife Ruth moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where, amazingly, he continued to referee into his late ‘90s.
Rodgers appeared at almost every NSCAA Convention, later years in a wheel chair. He was always upbeat, full of soccer stories, and looking forward to the next season. Once, a few years ago, he received a NSCAA Award and literally jumped off the 3’ stage, to the concern of the audience, only to jump up and wave at everyone, “I’m okay.”
A credit to the game, a role model for all aspiring referees, his life in soccer gave Harry Rodgers a lifetime of memories, an incentive to keep going regardless of age, lifelong friendships, and who knows, maybe he’ll continue in the game “up there.”
Len Oliver, Soccer Journal Editorial Board
Director of Coaching, DC Stoddert Soccer
VYSA State Staff Coach
National Soccer Hall of Famer (1996)

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Hall of Famer Werner Roth demonstrates at NYSPHSAA Coaches Clinic
On Friday, May 18 Werner was the Keynote Speaker for the Coaches Clinic and also gave a demonstration - Developing Player Potential.

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Hall of Famer Gino Pariani Passes Away
ONEONTA, NY (May 11, 2007) - Hall of Famer Gino Pariani, the inside right for the 1950 U.S. World Cup team that defeated England, passed away Wednesday, May 9.

Pariani, a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 1976, played a key role in the World Cup upset, maintaining ball possession for the U.S. and sending fellow St. Louisianan Frank ‘Pee-Wee’ Wallace on a breakaway in the second half. Wallace’s attack was cleared from the line by 1966 England manager Sir Alf Ramsey.

Pariani was born February 21, 1928 and began his soccer career at the age of 13. By age 15 he was playing in the top division, winning a league championship that year with Schumackers. He won two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships with the Simpkins-Ford team in 1948 and 1950. His career highlights included selection to the St. Louis Municipal League All-Star team every year from 1947 until 1953.

“Gino was probably more appreciated by his teammates than the fans,” World Cup teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Walter Bahr said. “Always reliable, always gave a good game – you could depend upon him to do his job well.”

“From my conversations with his teammates, I know Gino was a wonderful player,” Hall of Fame President George Brown said. “From his inside position he did a fine job of controlling the flow of the game. The insides of the game in the 40s and 50s are today’s attacking midfielders and to be as successful as Gino was meant he had superb ball control and passing skills.”

A wake for Gino will be held on Monday, May 15 from 3:00 until 9:00 at Kutis Funeral Home in St. Louis. A Funeral Mass will be held at Seven Holy Founders Church, Afton MO, on Tuesday, May 16 at 10:00 am.

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Stephen H. Baumann Named Hall of Fame President and C.O.O.
ONEONTA, NY (May 11, 2007) – “I am pleased to announce that, effective August 14th, Stephen H. Baumann will be our new President and Chief Operating Officer”, said Doug Willies, Chairman of the Board of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Oneonta, NY.

According to Willies, “This is the culmination of an exhaustive national search, which commenced in the fall of 2006. The search committee was headed by Dr. Alan Donovan, president of the State University of New York in Oneonta and Dr. Bob Contiguglia, former president of the U.S. Soccer Federation.”

Since 2004 Mr. Baumann has served as Executive Director of the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena, California. He previously held the position of Vice President of Education and Programs with the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey and, prior to that, he served as the Director of Educational Technology Programs at The Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia.

He received a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Science Education from the University of Virginia. From 1977 to 1987, prior to entering the museum field, Mr. Baumann was a public school educator. He held a variety of teaching positions in the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and was an adjunct instructor in science education and educational technology at George Mason University in Virginia and Rosemont College in Pennsylvania.

“What is unique about Steve," said Chairman Willies, "is that, not only does he have the broad-based non-profit management and museum experience that we were seeking, but he also has a rich background in soccer. He played at the University of Pennsylvania before going on to play with the Miami Toros in the North American Soccer League from 1974 to 1977. Steve also had a ten-year high school and club coaching career in Northern Virginia and returned to Penn as head soccer coach from 1987-1993. This unique combination should hold the Hall in good stead and we are confident that he will be able to move the Hall to another level.”

“I am delighted with this opportunity,” said Baumann. "I look forward to the new challenges presented by this position. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allows me to couple my museum career with my lifelong passion for soccer, and I cannot wait to get started.”

Mr. Baumann will replace Board Secretary, George Brown, who has served as interim president since September 2006.

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Hall of Fame announces Bobby Smith as 2007 Veteran Inductee

Bobby Smith 2007 Veteran Inductee

ONEONTA, NY (Tuesday, April 3, 2007) – The Hall of Fame announced today that Bobby Smith, U.S. National Team defender, three-time NASL all-star, and three-time NASL Champion has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as a Veteran Player. He will be honored at Induction 2007, presented by The Century Council’s Girl Talk: Choices and Consequences of Underage Drinking, on Sunday, August 26 at noon.

“Bobby Smith was a feared and respected defender during his career in the North American Soccer League,” said George Brown, President of the Hall of Fame. “At a time when foreign stars were getting all the headlines, Smith was the quiet American star who anchored his team’s defense. Werner Roth, Rick Davis and Bobby were the only Americans to win three NASL championships and he now joins Davis and Roth in the Hall of Fame. Bobby Smith was a credit to the game as a player and he will be a credit to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.”

In an historically tight election, Smith was named on 26 ballots, 50% of the 52 ballots cast by Hall of Famers, the only voters in the Veteran’s election. A player has to be named on at least 50% of the ballots in order to be elected.

The voting results of the top candidates were:

Complete voting results are available here>

“The results of this election show the great work of the Veteran’s Screening Committee did in selecting the finalists,“ Hall of Fame Director of Museum and Archives Jack Huckel said. “ This is the tightest election in our history and we know the other eligible players who were not elected will continue to be strong candidates for election in the future.”

Smith’s career included 18 U.S. Men’s international games, 4 U.S. Men’s World Cup qualifiers, 167 NASL regular season games, and 10 NASL playoff games. Smith played 9 seasons in the NASL from 1973 through 1981. During his career he was NASL first team all-star in 1975 and was an NASL second team all-star in 1974 and in 1979. He continues his career by running the Bob Smith Soccer Academy in his hometown of Trenton, NJ. The academy invites children of all ages to come play indoor soccer and focuses on developing skills, knowledge, and love of the game.

Smith began his NASL nine-season career as one of the original players for the Philadelphia Atoms, formed by Tom McCloskey in 1973. McCloskey appointed Hartwick College coach Al Miller, Hall of Fame Class of 1995, as the head coach and encouraged him to draft Americans for the team. A graduate of Rider University, Smith was one of the first Americans selected in the 1973 College Draft. As a rookie defender Smith helped the team win the NASL Championship and was a key factor in the team’s record for fewest goals allowed in a season (14). The Atoms were the first team coached by an American to win an NASL championship.

Smith played for the Atoms until 1976. In 1976 he moved to the New York Cosmos, alongside soccer legend Pele, playing through 1978. While playing for the Cosmos, Smith won two NASL Championships. He played for the San Diego Sockers in 1979, and finished his NASL career playing one year for the Philadelphia Fury in 1980 and one year for the Montreal Manic in 1981.
Smith will be inducted alongside previously announced Player Inductees Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy and Builder inductee Alan Rothenberg.

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Hall of Fame Announces Rothenberg as 2007 Builder Inductee
ONEONTA, NY (March 23, 2007) - The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced today that Alan I. Rothenberg, former President of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Chair/CEO of the 1994 World Cup, will be the 2007 builder inductee. Induction 2007, presented by The Century Council’s Girl Talk: Choices and Consequences of Underage Drinking, will be Sunday, August 26 at noon on the Soccer Hall of Fame campus in Oneonta.