Sounders FC heavyweights elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame
Sigi and Kasey. From U.S. Soccer Public Relations.
SEATTLE -- Former U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper and Sounders FC star Kasey Keller has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, alongside Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid, the team announced Wednesday.
Keller, a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee, is one of the most successful and experienced goalkeepers in U.S. Soccer history. He enters the Hall of Fame following a 19-year international career, having played 102 games for the United States between 1990 and 2007. He played for various European clubs throughout his career, including the Tottenham Hotspur, before joining the Sounders FC in 2009, where he played until his retirement in 2011.
Currently, Keller works as the Sounders' color commentator
“It’s a great honor,” Keller said of being elected. “You look at some of the guys that have been elected before; it’s not an easy process. It’s not like it’s an open-door policy. It’s cool to be voted in."
Schmid, Seattle's beloved coach, enters the Hall of Fame after 35 years of coaching in the United States. As the winning-est coach in MLS history, Schmid first coached for the LA Galaxy before coming to the Sounders in 2009.
“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for this incredible honor, as this is certainly right up there with the top moments I’ve experienced in this sport,” said Schmid of the accomplishment.
The late Glenn Myernick, who passed away on Oct. 5, 2006 at the age of 51, will also enter the Hall of Fame on the Veteran Ballot. Myernick served as an assistant coach for the USA at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and was an integral part of the USA's quarterfinal run at the 2002 World Cup. He also coached the USA in its championship victory at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup after head coach Bruce Arena was suspended for the final.
The National Soccer Hall of Fame was established in 1950.