News from the Hall

Hall of Famer Gordon Bradley Passes Away

ONEONTA, NY (April 30, 2008) – Hall of Famer Gordon Bradley, Class of 1996, passed away on April 29 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. “Soccer has lost a good friend and a mentor to many,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “His contributions are a significant part of the history of the game beginning in the 60s and carrying through the 90s. His honest and good-natured relationships with people both in and outside soccer were a hallmark of his personality and his career. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Vera and the entire Bradley family.”

Bradley is, perhaps, best remembered as the coach of the New York Cosmos when Pele signed with the organization in 1976, but his contributions to soccer in North America began in the 60s and continued through the 90s. Born in Sunderland, England on November 23, 1938, he immigrated to Canada in 1963 to play for Toronto Roma of the Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League. He continued playing into the 70s, but also began a coaching career as an assistant with the New York Generals in 1968. In 1971 he became the player-coach of the newly formed New York Cosmos, continuing with that team into the 1976 season. He finished his NASL coaching career after three seasons with the Washington Diplomats. He also appeared once for the U.S. National Team in 1973 when he also served as the coach for five matches.

Following his professional coaching career, Gordon coached at George Mason University from 1985 through the 2000 season.

The Gordon Bradley Memorial Service to be Held at George Mason Stadium The public service is scheduled for Friday May 9 at 1 p.m.Fairfax, Va. (May 1, 2008)--The Gordon Bradley family has announced that they will celebrate his life at a public memorial service at George Mason Stadium on Friday May 9 at 1:00 p.m. Seating will be in the stands at the stadium on campus where the U.S. National Hall-of-Famer Bradley coached for 16 seasons and remains the most successful soccer coach in George Mason history. Gordon Bradley, who led the Patriots to six NCAA Tournament appearances, died on Tuesday in Manassas. He was 74 years old. Bradley suffered from Alzheimer's disease for several years. “ George Mason was a special place for Gordon and, our family is truly thankful that Mason is hosting the celebration of his life,” son Paul Bradley said. “The 16 years he spent there were some of the happiest years of his life not only because he enjoyed coaching soccer, but because he loved working with students and teaching the game of life.” The Bradley family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gordon Bradley Scholarship Endowment in association with George Mason University. To contribute, call (703) 993-3215. George Mason University George Mason Stadium (Corner of Ox Road (123) and University Dr.) 4400 University Dr. Fairfax, Va. 22030 Parking will be available in the adjacent lots to George Mason Stadium and “Hap” Spuhler Baseball Field. For more information on the service, please contact Paul Bradley at (571) 221-7175 or Paul@marqueerealestate.com.

Hall of Fame Induction a Top Ten Moment

ONEONTA, NY (April 16, 2008) – The National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction 2007 was named #9 of the 2007 Top Ten Moments in Women’s Sports as proclaimed by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF). Excerpts from the induction of Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy were featured when the Top Ten were revealed at The Billie Awards, the Women’s Sports Foundation Annual Awards program last night.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition from the Women’s Sports Foundation,” Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann said. “Every induction ceremony is very special for us, but the first all-female player class was certainly a moment of historical impact. We are pleased to be partners with the Women's Sports Foundation in the support and building of soccer playing opportunities for girls and women of all ages. We believe that the example that Julie and Mia have set will inspire others to follow in their path. We celebrate, again, the achievements of Julie and Mia and all the other individuals honored at The Billie Awards.”

The Billie Awards, named for WSF founder Billie Jean King, annually honor media excellence in the portrayal of girls and women in sports and physical activity. The Awards Dinner and Ceremony were held last evening at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills and included a special performance by Sir Elton John.

Induction 2008 to Be First Weekend in August
ONEONTA, NY (March 26, 2008) – Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann announced today that the Induction 2008 Weekend will be celebrated during the weekend of August 1st through 3rd. “I am delighted that we have been able to bring together the Big 3 Enshrinement event with the National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction for a grand weekend of soccer celebration.”

Public events will include the Big 3 Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday, August 2nd at 8:00 PM and the Induction 2008 Ceremony on Sunday, August 3rd at 12:00 Noon. Also on the calendar are an NSCAA sponsored coaches clinic, an NISOA referees workshop, and an AYSO Future Famer tournament for AYSO teams in the Northeast. These programs are scheduled for the day on Saturday.

Further details of these programs and other Induction weekend events will be released as they are confirmed.

National Soccer Hall of Fame Partners with Sports Museum of America to Create Nation's First All-Sports Museum

ONEONTA, NY (March 13, 2008) – National Soccer Hall of Fame President Stephen Baumann announced a partnership today with the Sports Museum of America (SmA).

The National Soccer Hall of Fame now joins over 50 single-sport Halls of Fame, National Governing Bodies, Museums and other sports organizations across North America as a Founding Sports Partner of the Sports Museum of America (SmA), www.sportsmuseum.com. Scheduled to open in New York City in May 2008, SmA is the Nation's first and only museum to celebrate all sports under one roof. Filled with original films, state-of-the-art interactive exhibits/displays and an iconic collection of memorabilia, SmA will richly showcase the history, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture through great sports' stories of courage, education and triumph.

According to Baumann, this exciting new partnership will introduce a broad new audience to the thrills of soccer. “The National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum is proud to partner with the Sports Museum of America in furtherance of our dedication to soccer in America,” Steve Baumann, Hall of Fame President said. “American soccer continues to extend its impact as a contributor to the world's game and, of course, New York is America’s greatest international city. It is natural that we join as museums to further the work to energize participation, inspire excellence, and celebrate achievement in the world's most popular sport. We expect our partnership will introduce many more individuals and families to the history and uniqueness of the 'beautiful game'.”

"The Sports Museum of America is extremely pleased to have the National Soccer Hall of Fame join our more than 50 exclusive sports partner organizations to create the first comprehensive museum of sports," says Founder and CEO Philip Schwalb. "Soccer holds a special place in American sports culture. We’re a nation filled with soccer moms, families and kids. We look forward to sharing soccer’s tremendous legacy -- from past stars of American soccer like Billy Gonsalves and Pele to the newest Hall of Fame Players, Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, to the stars of tomorrow -- with our millions of visitors. We’re particularly proud to count Hall of Famers Julie Foudy and Michelle Akers and soccer legend Claudio Reyna among our prestigious Honorary Board. We’ll also excite our fans about the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York, and encourage them to visit there for the ultimate celebration of soccer."

Under the terms of the partnership, the National Soccer Hall of Fame will provide archival soccer materials, such as the 1973 NASL Championship Trophy, Michelle Akers Day Proclamation by the State of Washington and Hall of Famer Alexi Lalas’ New England Revolution jersey. Other memorabilia pertaining to the history of soccer and of interest to the projected one million worldwide annual visitors to SmA will be sent on a rotating basis. Likewise, joint promotional efforts will be undertaken by both partners, and SmA will make an annual donation to support the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In addition to the artifacts and soccer memorabilia from the National Soccer Hall of Fame, SmA will also feature high-profile soccer artifacts such as Mia Hamm’s World Cup jersey and the sports bra Brandi Chastain made famous during the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

SmA is widely anticipated to be a vibrant new addition to the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan by significantly increasing commercial and tourist activity in the area.

The Sports Museum of America (SmA) is the nation's first and only all-sports experience richly showcasing the history, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture. Created in exclusive partnership with over 50 single-sport Halls of Fame, National Governing Bodies and other sports organizations across North America, SmA features amazing state-of-the-art interactive technologies, dramatic original films and an iconic collection of sports memorabilia. SmA will also be home to the legendary Heisman Trophy (and annual televised presentation) and the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center, including the first Women's Sports Hall of Fame. Located in New York City at 26 Broadway (next to the “Charging Bull” and footsteps from the Statue of Liberty Ferry), the Sports Museum of America will open in May 2008. www.sportsmuseum.com

Contacts:
Jack Huckel 607.432.3351 x209 or jack@soccerhall.org

Rubenstein Communications, Inc. – Public Relations
Alison Hendrie 212.843.8029 or Ahendrie@rubenstein.com

Sports Museum of America (SmA)
Barbara Pflughaupt 212.837.7962 or Barbara@thesportsmuseum.com

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Anson Dorrance and Hugo Perez Elected to the Hall of Fame
ONEONTA, NY (March 7, 2008) – Legendary University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer Coach Anson Dorrance and highly respected U.S. National Team Veteran Hugo Perez have been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann announced today. “We are excited to reveal such a prestigious 2008 Hall of Fame Class,” he said. “Anson Dorrance has set an unbelievable standard for American soccer coaches. His success at UNC is staggering and his World Championship with the U.S. Women’s National Team has inspired coaches to higher levels of excellence. Induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame is a natural outgrowth of his exemplary and continuing career.”

“Hugo was a key player for the National Team in the late 80s and early 90s,“ Baumann continued. “His career spanned from the last years of the NASL, through the MISL, and into the 1994 World Cup. His ability to create attacking opportunities was outstanding and the players around him were the beneficiaries of his skill, vision and tactical awareness. We welcome him as another wonderfully talented and successful player to the Hall of Fame.”

Both Dorrance and Perez were elected with unprecedented totals in their respective categories. Dorrance was named on 53.85% of the Builder ballots and Perez was named on 58.33% of the Veteran Player ballots. Each year the top individual in the Builder and Veteran Player categories are elected to the Hall of Fame as long as the individual is named on a minimum of 50% of the ballots cast. The top five candidates in both elections are listed below.

Dorrance, a 1974 UNC graduate, began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1976 as Head Coach of the men’s team he played on as an undergraduate. Beginning in 1979 he coached both the men’s and women’s teams, before becoming exclusively the women’s coach after the 1988 season. In his 12-year career as the UNC men’s coach, his record was 172 – 65 – 21 with an ACC championship and two NCAA Division I tournament selections.

As women’s coach at UNC through the 2007 season, his coaching record is an NCAA best in both wins (648 – 32 – 19) and winning percentage (.941). The UNC women’s team has won the national championship 19 times in 28 seasons, with a string of 9 in a row between 1986 and 1994. During this period there were two record-setting streaks of 103 matches unbeaten and 92 matches won. Dorrance has won the NSCAA National Coach of the Year seven times and a UNC player has been recognized as national player of the year fifteen times.

In 1986 Dorrance became the Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and, over an 8-year career won 65 times, with 22 losses and five ties. The most significant of those victories was in the final of the first Women’s World Cup (then titled the World Championship for Women’s Football) in 1991.

Perez began his professional career with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL, eventually moving to the San Diego Sockers where he had an impressive career outdoors and indoors. He was selected Championship Series MVP in San Diego’s 1988 MISL win. He also played professionally in France, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and El Salvador.

His U.S. National Team debut was against Italy in 1984 and he scored his first international goal against Canada in 1985. In his 73 game international career he scored 13 goals. He played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup qualifiers, but missed the 1990 World Cup due to injury. He also played in the 1994 World Cup, starting the second round match against Brazil played on the Fourth of July. His final match for the United States was against England in September 1994.

Since his retirement from playing the game, he has stayed active in soccer in the San Francisco Bay Area, coaching youth and collegiate teams.

In the 2008 Player election no individual exceeded the required 75% of ballots cast to gain entrance into the Hall of Fame. Top players were Preki Radasavijevic with 67.97% and Joy Fawcett with 67.19% of the vote. Full elections results for all categories are available on the Hall of Fame web site, www.soccerhall.org. The top ten player candidates are listed here:

Details of Induction will be announced shortly.

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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.

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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.

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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 be publicized shortly.

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The Mission of the National Soccer Hall of Fame is to Celebrate the History, Honor the Heroes,
Inspire the Youth and Preserve the Legacy of Soccer in the United States.

Located in Oneonta, NY, the National Soccer Hall of Fame opened a new 30,000 sq.ft., state-of-the-art multimedia museum in 1999 and is open every day of the year except Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving. The Hall of Fame tells the story of soccer in America through artifacts, photographs, video and written narratives. The main VideoWall portrays some of the greatest moments and the greatest goals in soccer history as well as live soccer action from the World Cup, MLS, and U.S. Soccer matches. The Hall features an extensive interactive, youth oriented Kicks Zone, including a kid-sized indoor field, where visitors have fun kicking, heading and playing computer trivia stations and video soccer games. Unique and rare artifacts on exhibit range from The Dewar Cup, the oldest team trophy in U.S. Sport, to the Women’s World Cup won by the USA in 1999, the uniforms of Pele and Mia Hamm’s, Kristine Lilly’s golden shoes, NASL championship rings, and MLS championship trophies. That and so much more are all at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In addition to the interactive Museum, the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s 61-acre complex boasts the Kicks Hall of Fame Museum Store, a research library, four world-class soccer fields and office/meeting facilities.