Soccer Hall of Fame: 2009 Class

The National Soccer Hall of Fame (located in scenic Oneonta, NY) elected its Class of 2009 yesterday. The announcement was made live on Fox Soccer Channel by Hall of Fame President Steve Baumann. Missed it, did you?


This year's inductees are USMNT defender Jeff Agoos and USWNT defender Joy Fawcett. They will officially be inducted on Sunday, August 2nd in Oneonta.

Born in Switzerland (his father was a diplomat), Agoos had 134 caps for the USMNT, which is the second-highest total in history. He played in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and the 2000 Olympics, but saw his greatest success in MLS play, winning the MLS Cup 5 times (three times with DC United and twice with the San Jose Earthquakes). He finished his career with NY Red Bull, and is now the Sporting Director for that club.

Joy Fawcett had 239 caps for the USWNT (good for 4th all time), winning the 1991 and 1999 World Cups and Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2004. She played every minute of the 1991, 1995 and 1999 World Cups, and only received 2 yellow cards (and never a red) in her entire career. Out of professional soccer for some time, she now directs a local club in Mission Viejo, California.

Needing 66.7% of all ballots cast, Agoos received 108 votes (67.9%) and Fawcett received 106 votes (66.7%). Those not receiving enough votes included: (1) Preki; (2) Thomas Dooley; (3) Marco Etcheverry; (4) Earnie Stewart; (5) Joe-Max Moore; (6) Carlos Valderamma; and (7) Shannon MacMillan.

Umm, Etcheverry and Valderamma? In the US National Soccer Hall of Fame?