The National Soccer Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 was inducted at a ceremony Saturday in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Howard, Josh McKinney, Tisha Venturini-Hoch and Francisco Marcos comprised the four inductees. In addition, Amy Rosenfeld was the recipient of the 2024 Colin Jose Media Award.
• Tim Howard played 121 times for the USMNT, including 39 World Cup qualifiers and eight games at the World Cup in 2010 and 2014. He also had a long career in England with Manchester United and Everton.
“Here’s what I want you to know about me: The bell rang 121 times for me, and 121 times, I answered the bell for the greatest country in the world. For that I’m most grateful.”
• Josh McKinney, born with cerebral palsy, captained the U.S. National 7-a-side Paralympic Team (now the U.S. Men’s CP National Team), earning 124 caps and scoring 81 goals over 19 years, including appearances at three Paralympics (1996, 2004 and 2012).
“I am forever grateful to be the first Extended National Team player in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. I’m honored to help provide a pathway for kids and future athletes of all extended national teams reach their goals and aspirations.”
• Tisha Venturini-Hoch won Olympic gold in 1996 and was a member of the 1999 U.S. Women’s World Cup championship team in a career during which she earned caps.
“I’ve just got to say I’m grateful for this game, for all the amazing memories it’s given me. But most importantly, for all the amazing people that it’s brought into my life.”
• Francos Marcos founded the United Soccer League, launching what is the largest pro league in the United States as the Southwest Indoor Soccer League in 1987.
“I have done everything that I’ve done for the love of the game. If I could afford it, I would have done it for nothing. I am truly fortunate that I was able to make my life out of my love.”
• Amy Rosenfeld was instrumental in ESPN’s critically acclaimed coverage of the Men’s and Women’s World Cups, serving as the lead producer for every tournament from 1999 to 2014.
“I have to say this is the honor of my life. Thank you to the sport of soccer for providing me with some of the most treasured relationships and fulfilling a dream to have some measure of impact on the growth of the game.”
