Legendary goaltender Tim Howard, who played 121 games for the U.S. men's national team, was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday in Frisco, Texas.
Howard was with the national team from 2002 to 2017 and appeared in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
“What I want you to know about me is that the bell tolled for me 121 times, and I answered the bell of the greatest nation in the world 121 times,” Howard said in his inaugural address. “I'm very grateful for that.”
Also inducted on Saturday were former U.S. women's midfielder Tisha Venturini Hoch, former U.S. Paralympic Sevens captain Josh McKinney and executive Francisco Marcos.
Howard, 45, currently holds the record for most saves at a World Cup, making 16 saves in the 2014 World Cup, when the United States faced Belgium. It was the second consecutive World Cup where Howard stood out in goal.
In addition to playing for the U.S. national team, Howard also played in Major League Soccer with the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars (1998-2003) and Colorado Rapids (2016-2019), Manchester United (2003-06) and Everton (2006). -16) He played an active role in the English Premier League and won the Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2004.
Venturini-Hoch, 51, played 134 games for the U.S. women's national team from 1992 to 2000. She competed in her two World Cups and was part of the famous team that won the 1999 Women's World Cup.
“I have to say I'm just grateful for this game and for the great memories it gave me,” Venturini-Hoch said. “But most importantly, it's for all the wonderful people it has brought into my life.”
McKinney was born with cerebral palsy, which affected the right side of his body. He scored 81 goals in 124 matches over 19 years and competed in the Paralympics three times (1996, 2004, 2012) before his retirement in 2014.
“I am forever grateful to have been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as the first expansion varsity player,” McKinney said. “We are honored to provide a pathway for children and future athletes across all national teams to achieve their goals and aspirations.”
Mr. Marcos was the longtime president of the United Soccer League, a lower league in the United States.
—Field Level Media
