ONEONTA, NY Presented below are quotes from each of the presenters and the inductees at the National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction 2006 ceremony, which took place this morning, Monday, August 28 at 10 a.m. in the National Soccer Museum, Oneonta, NY.
Welcome comments from MLS Commissioner Don Garber:
"These are special moments for special people. People who will now be honored for all time!"
"Thank you for your contributions to making America a soccer nation."
U. S. National Team and New York Red Bulls Player Chris Henderson Presenting Philip Anschutz:
"Thank you, Mr. Anschutz, for your passion and your leadership and for opening your home to all the players, like me.
Philip Anschutz:
"I feel extremely privileged to have been associated with soccer for these years and look forward to continuing to make a difference in the game."
Noted Soccer Broadcaster Bill McDermott Presenting Al Trost:
There is a statute to Stan Musial outside the stadium in St. Louis that states: 'Here stands baseball's perfect warrior.' When the statute is made for Al Trost, it will say 'Here stands soccer's perfect warrior.'
The best description of Al is that he is the personification of the idea that the greatest among you is the one who serves the most.
Al Trost:
When I was young and playing in the yard my Dad was upset with me, "Al," he said "you are killing the rose bushes!" I had to agree with him.
In playing throughout my career I learned that a team needs to work together as a group to be successful as an individual.
We are responsible. We can choose whether to serve or be served, whether to be selfish or selfless. We need to share our ability with the team so everyone will benefit form out hard labor.
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati Presenting Alexi Lalas:
Alexi's loyalty to those he played with is extraordinary. He was the base of the league when he signed for Major League Soccer.
You now join a new 'super club,' the super club of Hall of Famers!
Alexi Lalas:
My generation of players may get a little too much credit for the recent success of soccer. On behalf of my generation, I thank the Hall of Famers who have gone before me.
I was not the best player, but I knew what I was good at. Most of all, it was my passion for the game and my teammates that made me look good.
I love putting on a show. I must thank the fans for being there because, whether they were cheering me or picking on me, they pushed me to perform and are a critical part of this game. Thank you fans!
National Soccer Medal of Honor recipient and coach the 1999 FIFA World Champion U.S. Women's National Team Tony DiCicco Presenting Carla Overbeck:
Carla set the standard for our team, No one wanted to deal with her when she was angry and she got angry when you didn't play full out.
As Captain she was determined to make the team a family and, because of it, we were a better team.
Carla Overbeck:
These are a my "thank yous." Thank you to my teammates, my coaches, my parents, and my family, all of whom supported me as I strived to achieve my goals. Goals for myself and goals for the teams on which I played. There is no way I would be here without you support.
