MLS D.C. United

D.C. United to Induct New Member to Hall of Tradition

Published on June 16, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (June 16, 2010) - D.C. United today announced Eddie Pope, Richie Williams, and Mark Simpson as 2010 finalists for induction to the club's Hall of Tradition. All three players were members of the original Black-and-Red squad and heavily contributed to the club's trophy haul during their playing careers. This year's inductee will be determined by a fan vote conducted June 16-30 via dcunited.com. The winner will be inducted on July 18 when D.C. United hosts the LA Galaxy at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available at dcunited.com and all TicketMaster outlets.

"Players like Eddie, Richie and Mark created the foundation for what makes United a great club," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "On the field, in the locker room and in the community, these players established a tradition and culture that remains to this day. It's now in the hands of our great fans to determine the legendary performer that will next be inducted into the Hall of Tradition."

In addition to his dependable reputation anchoring D.C. United's stingy back line throughout his time with the Black-and-Red, Pope scored some of the most important goals in club history. His strikes sealed the 1996 MLS Cup, the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 1998 InterAmerican Cup. He also tallied the second goal in United's 1996 U.S. Open Cup triumph. Pope was traded to the MetroStars at the end of the 2002 MLS season and finished his professional career in 2007, a member of Real Salt Lake. At the time, he ranked first amongst United defenders in League appearances (143), starts (140), minutes (12,228) and second in goals (8). With United, Pope earned six All-Star selections and was named the MLS Defender of the Year in 1997, to the MLS Best XI in 1997 and 1998 and to the League's 10th season All-Time Best XI.

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). Williams earned All-Star selection in 1997 and 1999.

Simpson is the first in a long line of top quality goalkeepers that have protected the nets at RFK Stadium. Simpson joined the Black-and-Red midway through the 1996 season and solidified the position over the last 14 games of the regular season before leading the club to MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup titles. Simpson finished his playing career with 53 League appearances, a 1.49 goals-against-average and nine shutouts before his retirement in 2001. His playing honors include three MLS Cups (1996, 1997 and 1999), a U.S. Open Cup (1996), a CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1998) and an InterAmerican Cup (1998).

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 Marco Etcheverry (2007), Jeff Agoos (2008), Raúl Díaz Arce (2009), front office employee Betty D'Anjolell (2008) and former radio broadcaster Danilo Diron (2009). 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, three finalists are selected the result of private voting by club owners, executives and former players.

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