EX-U.S. DEFENDER CLAVIJO DIES AT 63

» Fernando Clavijo, a FRISCO, TEXAS surprise starter for the 1994 U.S. World Cup team who went on to a long coaching and management career in Major League Soccer, has died. He was 63.

FC Dallas said he died Friday at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from multiple myeloma. Clavijo was the team’s technical director from March 2002 until he stepped down last September because of his health.

Inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005, Clavijo made 61 appearances for the U.S. national team from 1990-94, mostly as a defender.

“Fernando was an important leader with three MLS clubs, and he played a key role in the league’s player development strategy,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said Saturday. “More important, he was a joy to everyone who knew him and inspired countless young players.”