Don Garber finally getting Soccer HOF induction
Don Garber is finally becoming a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Major League Soccer’s commissioner was originally elected in 2016 but put off induction so he could be enshrined in an MLS stadium. The ceremony is set for Oct. 20 at the new Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Garber was the first of five new inductees set to be announced Thursday. He was joined early in the day by former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel and midfielder Cindy Parlow Cone.
In an MLS staff meeting in New York, Hall of Famer and former national team defender Jeff Agoos formally welcomed Garber to the 2018 class.
“The induction ceremony will be a moment to look back on the incredible progress the game has made in
the United States and also see many of the talented and generous people I’ve had the privilege to work with during my career in soccer,” Garber said.
Garber was named com-
missioner of the domestic professional league in 1999. Since then, MLS has more than doubled in size. He is also CEO of Soccer United Marketing, the exclusive marketing partner of U.S. Soccer, and a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation board of directors.
The announcement on Garber comes two days after he was on hand to announce that Cincinnati would be the home of the league’s 26th team, two shy of its ultimate goal. MLS began as a 10-team league in 1996.
Friedel was surprised with the announcement of his National Soccer Hall of Fame election by former teammate Tab Ramos.
Hewas among the players on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time.
Friedel made 82 appearances for the United States over 13 years and was on the national team’s roster for three World Cups, starting for the American team that advanced to the quarterfinals in 2002.
His club career was highlighted by 17 Premier League seasons, including stints with Blackburn, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham.