The Colorado Rapids' Head Coach Fernando Clavijo, a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Soccer National Team, the American Soccer League, the North American Soccer League, and Major Indoor Soccer League, has been elected to the Hall of Fame by votes cast by Hall of Famers, from a list of more then 300 eligible Veteran players.
"One thinks there is the potential to be recognized for contributions to the game. But when than recognition comes, it is overwhelming and totally unexpected," said Rapids Head Coach Fernando Clavijo. "I have won 10 championships in my soccer career, but this is a greater honor than any I have ever received as a player."
"It is an overwhelming honor to have two National Soccer Hall of Famers in Marcelo and Fernando working for our organization." said Rapids COO and General Manager Charlie Wright. "Fernando is a dedicated person that has devoted his life to the game of soccer with such a passion that has led him to achieve many goals and be recognized as one of the best in the sport in our country. We feel honored that he is leading the future of our team with that same approach and look forward to seeing him achieve even more recognition at the reins of the Rapids."
"Fernando is another great addition to the Class of 2005," Hall of Fame President/CEO Will Lunn said. "His soccer career began in the American Soccer League, and his greatest club achievements were in the MISL with many championships, but it was his service to the US National Team in the 90's and in the 1994 World Cup that has earned him this distinction."
Among the previously-announced members of the Class of 2005 is the Rapids' Soccer Ambassador, Marcelo Balboa, who played alongside Clavijo during the 1994 World Cup. Not only friends off the field, both of the former U.S. National Team players were roommates during the entire World Cup in 1994.
The other previously-announced members of the US National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2005 are John Harkes, Tab Ramos and "Builder of the Sport" Hank Steinbrecher. The Colin Jose Media Award will be announced on a later date in June.
All of the inductees will be honored on August 28 and 29, in Oneonta, NY at the Induction 2005 event, which will also include an exhibition game between the Colorado Rapids and MLS defending champions DC United.
Fernando Clavijo Mini Bio:
</li>
</li>
</li>
from 1981-1991.
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
For Fernando Clavijo's full bio please visit: www.coloradorapids.com
Voting Results
The candidate who receives the most votes and at least 50% of the votes cast by Hall of Famers is elected. A second Veteran may be elected if both candidates receive a minimum of 80% of the votes cast. The top 5 candidates, with 55 Veteran votes cast, were:
Fernando Clavijo -- 37 votes -- 67.27%
Bobby Smith -- 30 -- 54.55%
Teofilo 'Nene' Cubillas -- 28 -- 50.91%
Al Trost -- 26 -- 47.27%
Debbie Belkin Radamacher -- 24 -- 43.64%
About the Veteran Hall of Fame Selection
The Veteran Hall of Famer each year is voted upon by current Hall of Famers off a list of all players that are, or have been, ever eligible on a Hall of Fame ballot in the past.
About Induction 2005
The National Soccer Hall of Fame will host Induction 2005 in Oneonta, NY on August 28 and 29. Honor players Marcelo Balboa, John Harkes, Tab Ramos and Builder Hank Steinbrecher with your attendance. On Sunday, August 28 the 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament and the President's Reception/Dinner will be held. The Induction 2005 Ceremony will take place on Monday morning in the Museum. Induction is open to the public and is free of charge. The 2005 MLS Hall of Fame Game (Colorado Rapids vs. DC United) will kick off at 1:00 PM on August 29 on the Hall of Fame campus. Tickets for the Golf Tournament, President's Reception/Dinner and the MLS Hall of Fame Game are available at the Hall of Fame or by calling 800-545-FAME (3263).
About the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum:
Located in Oneonta, NY, the National Soccer Hall of Fame opened a 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art museum in 1999. The Hall of Fame tells the story of soccer in America through artifacts, photographs, and video clips. In addition the new Hall features an extensive interactive, youth oriented Kicks Zone where visitors have fun kicking, heading and playing soccer, and video soccer games. The VideoWall portrays some of the greatest moments and the greatest goals in history as well as live soccer action with World Cup, MLS, and U.S. Soccer matches. Unique and rare artifacts on exhibit range from memorabilia from the 20s to the FIFA Women's World Cup won by the USA in 1999, Pelé's and Mia Hamm's uniforms, Kristine Lilly's golden shoes, NASL championship rings, the original MLS championship trophy, and an MLS gallery. In addition to the interactive Museum, the National Soccer Hall of Fame complex boasts the Kicks Hall of Fame Museum Shop, a research library, four world-class soccer fields and office/meeting facilities.
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.
