SAN JOSE, CA - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the team will induct former defender and captain John Doyle as the inaugural member of the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame. Doyle, who currently serves as the team's assistant coach, will be enshrined on Saturday, August 27 during a halftime ceremony at the Quakes game against the Los Angeles Galaxy. That game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. PT at Spartan Stadium.
The team established the Earthquakes Hall of Fame as a tribute to honor the players who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the MLS club both on and off the field throughout its history. The names of the Earthquakes Hall of Fame members will be on display at all Earthquakes home games, beginning with Doyle's name on August 27.
"It is a honor to be the first inductee into the Earthquakes Hall of Fame," said Doyle. "I am happy that I got to come home and play for five seasons in San Jose in front of my family and the great fans here. I would also like to thank Peter Bridgwater for everything he did in making sure that San Jose got an MLS team and for bringing me to play here."
Doyle, 39, was the first player in the history of the San Jose club, joining the team on December 7, 1995. The Fremont, Calif. native enjoyed an illustrious playing career for the Clash/Earthquakes from 1996-2000, earning the 1996 MLS Defender of the Year award and making two MLS All-Star squads (1996-1997) while also being selected to the 1996 MLS Best XI team. Doyle scored 11 goals and registered 15 assists in his MLS career, spent entirely in San Jose.
The former University of San Francisco All-American enjoyed one of the most decorated playing careers in San Jose and United States soccer history. Doyle made 53 appearances for the national team, appearing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Prior to joining MLS, Doyle made his mark professionally by helping the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks become one of top teams in the APSL before playing in Sweden and Germany. Doyle also starred for the APSL's Atlanta Ruckus and was named the APSL Defender of the Year in 1995.
Following his retirement from the Earthquakes in 2000, Doyle served as the club's television analyst before taking over as assistant coach before the start of the 2004 season. This season, the Quakes currently lead the Western Conference with a 10-4-8 record under the direction of head coach Dominic Kinnear and Doyle.
A committee, consisting of Hall of Fame members and select Earthquakes staff, will choose future Hall of Fame inductees.
