MLS D.C. United

D.C. United to induct new member to Hall of Tradition

Published on September 8, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (September 8, 2008) - D.C. United today announced Jeff Agoos and Richie Williams as finalists for induction to the club's Hall of Tradition. Both players played on the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup and InterAmerican Cup winning team to be honored this coming Saturday, September 13, when United hosts FC Dallas. On Thursday, October 16, as the current club battles the New England Revolution before a national television audience on espn2, D.C. United will elect one of these former standouts into the Hall. Kick-off for the match is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with the induction ceremonies to be held at the half. This year's inductee will be determined by a fan vote conducted on dcunited.com, September 8-22, 2008.

"It's hard to think of two former United players more deserving of this honor than Jeff Agoos and Richie Williams," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "Not only were they key members of our championship teams in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, but their everyday approach to their profession helped establish the traditions and environment that we call 'The United Way'."

An original member of D.C. United, Jeff Agoos served as an anchor in United's widely respected back line from 1996-2000. Agoos represented United five times in the MLS All-Star Game. He was also named to the League's Best XI three times (1997, 1999, 2001) while a member of the Black-and-Red. Most importantly, Agoos was a driving force behind three MLS Cup titles (1996, 1997 and 1999), a U.S. Open Cup championship (1996), two Supporters' Shields (1997 and 1999) and the 1998 Champions' Cup and InterAmerican Cup. Following the 2005 Major League Soccer season, Agoos was named to the League's All-Time Best XI. He announced his retirement as an active player December 8, 2005.

Richie Williams represented the club during six of the eight seasons he played in Major League Soccer (1996-2000 and 2002). While with the Black-and-Red, he was a part of three MLS Cup titles (1996, 1997 and 1999), a U.S. Open Cup championship (1996), two Supporters' Shields (1997 and 1999) and the 1998 Champions' Cup and InterAmerican Cup victories. Williams announced his retirement as an active player at the end of the 2003 season. At the time, he was second among United players in League appearances (169), starts (164), and minutes played (14,597), and third in assists (29).

As the most successful organization in the history of American professional soccer, D.C. United has been represented by some of the most talented players and staff in Major League Soccer history. Whether on the field or in the front office, inductees to the Hall of Tradition have been integral in the success of the Black-and-Red. Through the Hall, D.C. United and the club's legendary supporters pay homage to those enshrined within. Created in 2003 in conjunction with the induction of John Harkes, the Hall of Tradition is an eternal home for lasting memories of United's greatest successes and most influential components. Other inductees include midfielder Marco Etcheverry (2007) and front office employee Betty D'Anjolell (2008). In order to be eligible as a former player, an individual must have been retired as a player for at least two (2) years, but no more than 10 years, played at least three seasons for D.C. United and appeared in 50 or more League games. From a group achieving those credentials, two finalists are selected the result of private voting by club owners, executives and former players.

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