Bob Lenarduzzi Named to US Soccer Hall of Fame
Published on May 8, 2003 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER (Thursday, May 8, 2003) - It was announced today that Whitecaps F.C. Director of Soccer Operations Bob Lenarduzzi of North Vancouver will be one of eight former players to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in the United States.
The ceremony will take place in Oneonta, NY on October 12. Two other former Whitecaps, defender Bruce Wilson (1974-77) and American goalkeeper Arnie Mausser (1977), will also be inducted. All eight of the 2003 player inductees are former star of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
"The NASL was such a great era in North American soccer," said Lenarduzzi, "and when I look back at the calibre of players that were in the league, I feel very honoured to be mentioned in such select company."
Lenarduzzi was an original member of the NASL Vancouver Whitecaps, playing 11 seasons (1974-1984) before the league folded. He played more games in the NASL, 312, than any other player, all with his hometown Whitecaps. In 1978, he was named the NASL's North American Player of Year, and in 1979 helped the Whitecaps win the NASL Soccer Bowl. He also holds the distinction of having played every position on the field for Vancouver, including goalkeeper.
A long-time member of the Canadian National Team, Lenarduzzi represented Canada 47 times in "A" internationals, including all three games at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He was voted among CONCACAF's top 30 players of the century by international media, and was one of the initial inductees into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.
Lenarduzzi played two seasons (1987-88) with Vancouver in the Canadian Soccer League as player-coach before retiring as a player. He then enjoyed a long and successful career as Coach, General Manager, and Director of Soccer Operations with Vancouver, which continues to this day. The winningest coach in Vancouver professional sports history, Lenarduzzi's recent honours include being named A-League Executive of the Year in 2000, and receiving the Jack Diamond Award as Vancouver's Sports Personality of 2002.
The National Soccer Hall of Fame, located in Oneonta, NY, opened a new state-of-the-art museum in 1999. The 2003 inductees are:
Carlos Alberto (Brazil)
Paul Child (England/USA)
Karl-Heinz Granitza (Germany)
Bob Lenarduzzi (Canada)
Arnie Mausser (USA)
Ace Ntsoelengoe (South Africa)
Alan Willey (England/USA)
Bruce Wilson (Canada)
The Whitecaps next play in a Mothers Day doubleheader on Sunday, May 11, at Swangard Stadium. The Whitecaps Women's Team plays the Seattle Sounders at 4:00 p.m. followed by the Whitecaps Men against Portland at 7:00 p.m.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 8, 2003
- Bob Lenarduzzi Named to US Soccer Hall of Fame - Vancouver Whitecaps
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