The National Soccer Hall of Fame has announced its finalists for the 2021 class exam, including 20 people in the player picks and another 10 people in the veteran and builder picks.
The player ballot consists of nine people whose illustrious careers have included significant MLS contributions. This includes Inter Miami CF co-owner and president of the football business David Beckham, Head coach of the US men’s national team Gregg Berhalter and CF Montréal head coach Thierry Henry.
Others are head coaches for Austin FC Josh Wolff, Real Salt Lake Assistant Coach Pablo Mastroeni and New England Revolution Academy Coach Shalrie Josephand director of the LA Galaxy Academy (football operations) Kevin Hartman and Columbus Crew SC Front Office member Frankie Hejduk. Another highlight is the former USMNT defender Oguchi Onyewuwho ended his career with the Philadelphia Union.
The veterans ballot shows that MLS connections with former DC United stars are emerging Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno. There are ex-Revolution star midfielders too Steve Ralston, New York Red Bulls broadcaster Shep brass and former USMNT and MLS defense attorney Tony Sanneh.
Some MLS connections on the Builder Ballot are longstanding owners Tim Leiweke and former directors of DC United and Toronto FC Kevin Payne.
The new Hall of Fame selection committees will vote February 5-10 and designate a class of two to four members. The 2021 class will be announced in March before the 2021 and 2020 classes are anchored at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas during a ceremony on May 22. The 2020 class includes current Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra and Andres Cantor, the winner of the Colin Jose Media Award.
Further information on the 40 candidates and the voting process can be found here.
