MLS FC Dallas

National Soccer Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2024

Published on May 4, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas - The National Soccer Hall of Fame inducted the four members of its 2024 class - Tim Howard, Josh McKinney, Tisha Venturini-Hoch and Francisco Marcos - at a ceremony today at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The ceremony also honored Amy Rosenfeld as the recipient of the 2024 Colin Jose Media Award, which honors journalists whose careers have made significant long-term contributions to soccer in the United States.

"From the mesmerizing skills of Tim Howard to the strategic genius of Tisha Venturini, each has etched an unforgettable legacy in the sport," said Djorn Buchholz, executive director of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. "This year, we're proud to make history by honoring Josh McKinney as the first Extended National Team member, alongside the visionary leadership of Francisco Marcos. McKinney's journey from overcoming cerebral palsy to excelling on the field epitomizes the resilience of soccer, while Marcos' pioneering contributions have shaped the landscape of the sport.

"It's our privilege to celebrate these extraordinary individuals and their profound impact on soccer as they prepare to take their rightful place among the legends."

A goalkeeper who starred in both the U.S. National Team and the English Premier League for nearly two decades, Howard played 121 full internationals for the United States between 2002 and 2017, including 39 World Cup qualifiers in nine different years and eight games at the World Cup in 2010 and 2014.

"Here's what I want you to know about me: The bell rang 121 times for me, and 121 times, I answered the bell for the greatest country in the world," Howard said. "For that I'm most grateful."

McKinney, who was born with cerebral palsy, was a captain of the U.S. National 7-a-side Paralympic Team (now the U.S. Men's CP National Team). He retired after 124 caps and 81 goals over 19 years, including appearances at three Paralympics (1996, 2004 and 2012).

"I am forever grateful to be the first Extended National Team player in the National Soccer Hall of Fame," McKinney said. "I'm honored to help provide a pathway for kids and future athletes of all extended national teams reach their goals and aspirations."

A midfielder who played in two World Cups for the United States, Venturini-Hoch played 134 full internationals between 1992 and 2000. She was a member of the U.S. team that won the World Cup in 1999, and she also played in the 1995 World Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games.

"I've just got to say I'm grateful for this game, for all the amazing memories it's given me," Venturini-Hock said. "But most importantly, for all the amazing people that it's brought into my life."

Marcos was the longtime leader of the United Soccer League, the umbrella organization of lower-division soccer in the U.S. In 1987, after serving as an executive for several North American Soccer League teams, Marcos launched the Southwest Indoor Soccer League, which evolved into the USL over the next two decades.

"I have done everything that I've done for the love of the game," Marcos said. "If I could afford it, I would have done it for nothing. I am truly fortunate that I was able to make my life out of my love."

Over a 25-year career as a freelancer and employee of ESPN, Rosenfeld was instrumental in the company's critically acclaimed coverage of the Men's and Women's World Cups, serving as the lead producer for every tournament from 1999 to 2014. She also led ESPN's coverage of three UEFA European Football Championships and oversaw ESPN's coverage of the English Premier League from 2011 to 2013.

"I have to say this is the honor of my life," Rosenfeld said. "Thank you to the sport of soccer for providing me with some of the most treasured relationships and fulfilling a dream to have some measure of impact on the growth of the game."

Full 2024 voting results and complete information about election and eligibility procedures are available at NationalSoccerHOF.com. The election process is administered by National Soccer Hall of Fame staff under election and eligibility guidelines established by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

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