Clavijo Elected to the Hall

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

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Hall of Fame Also Announces Pre-NASL Induction Class

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 vote of the Hall of Famers.

“Fernando is another great addition to the Induction 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 National Team in the 90's and in the 1994 FIFA World Cup that has earned him this distinction.”

Previously announced members in the Induction Class of 2005 are U.S. Soccer stars and Major League Soccer pioneers Marcelo Balboa, John Harkes, Tab Ramos and Builder Hank Steinbrecher. The Colin Jose Media Award will be announced later in June. All will be honored at Induction 2005, August 28 and 29, in Oneonta, NY.

Clavijo Quotes
“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.” “I have won 10 championships in my soccer career, but this is the greatest honor I have ever received as a player.” “I am honored and excited by this recognition.”

Clavijo Biography
Born in Maldonado, Uruguay. Came to the States in 1979 to play for the New York Apollos of the American Soccer League. Played for New York United of the ASL in 1980-1981. Played for New York Arrows, San Diego Sockers, Los Angeles Lazers, and St. Louis Storm of the Major Indoor Soccer League, from 1980- 1991. Named an MISL All-Star 12 times. Played for the NASL Golden Bay Earthquakes, 1983-1984. Selected to NASL All-Star team in 1984. Made National Team debut on November 21, 1990. Played 61 times for the U.S., including 3 starts in the 1994 World Cup. Following playing career, turned to coaching with stints in the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the U.S. Nike Project 40 team, Nigerian National Team in 1998 FIFA World Cup, Haitian National Team in 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, and the MLS New England Revolution. Currently Head Coach of the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

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.

Hall of Fame Announces Pre-NASL Induction Class
In addition to the election of Clavijo, a Blue Ribbon panel of the Hall of Fame studied the players from the pre-NASL era for those that may have been overlooked in the Hall of Fame process. Announced today as new Hall of Famers are Tommy Fleming, Alex McNab, Johnny Nelson, Werner Nilsen, and Fabri Salcedo. more>

About Induction 2005
The National Soccer Hall of Fame will host Induction 2005 in Oneonta, New York on August 27th - 29th. Induction Weekend kicks off on Saturday, August 27th with a Pub Night starting at 7:00 p.m. Then on Sunday, August 28th the Hall of Fame will present the 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament presented by Nike at the Delhi Golf Course in Delhi, New York. For those who are interested in exploring beautiful Otsego County there will a Leatherstocking Summer Sampler tour at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. The Hall of Fame will host the President's Reception & Dinner starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Hall of Fame's Museum.

The Induction Ceremony on Monday, August 29th honors three of the most identifiable players in U.S. Men's National Team history as Marcelo Balboa, John Harkes, and Tab Ramos will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame starting at 10:00 a.m. and ceremony is free of charge and open to the public in the Museum. The 2005 Hall of Fame Game will kick off at 1:00 p.m. on August 29th on the Hall of Fame campus.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Golf Tournament, President's Reception & Dinner and the Hall of Fame Game are available at the Hall of Fame or by calling 1-800-545-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. The new Hall features an extensive interactive, youth oriented Kicks Zone where visitors have fun kicking, heading and playing computer trivia stations 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 the world’s oldest soccer ball to the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy 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, MLS gallery - it’s all at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In addition to the interactive Museum, the National Soccer Hall of Fame complex boasts the Kicks Zone Store, a research library, four world-class soccer fields and office/meeting facilities. The Hall plans to add a stadium, an indoor soccer arena and housing facilities in the future.

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.

Related Information
Pre-NASL Induction Announcement | Hall of Fame Game Team Incentive Program | Hall of Fame Announces Partnership with SoccerAmerica