If there's a list floating around with Hristo and Hong Bo, there NEEDS to be a companion list with John Maessner and Jeff Causey. Maessner, Causey, Jeff Aunger and Mark Simpson are on the list of 38 players eligible for induction in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The election results will be announced next month. Bios of the eligible players are at www.soccerhall.org I should probably also include Brandon Pollard, since he graciously offered up one of his limbs as a sacrifice to the DemaGod.
I actually gave Brandon a Screaming Eagles scarf right after his injury, he seemed quite happy about it at the time And Matt was happy I had to order a new one. Aunger goes down (and into some hall of fame) as the greatest hip-checker to ever suit up for the MLS The team's midfield has been abused since he left. Dema wishes he was as good of an enforcer as Aungie was.
hugo perez was a god, he brought a skill level never before seen in a us shirt. but my god to i worship at the alter of aunger. his combination of toughness, heart and love of the game was simply unequaled. having geoff meant our opponents thought twice before greviously fouling our guys, cause they need the baby-faced canadian would soon be standing over their writhing bodies... i love skillful, insightful football, but there is always a place for a guy like aunger on my roster
Send some love to Roy Wegerle, too. He had a remarkable career around the world. He was near the end when he played for DCU, but was still dangerous. I don't think I ever saw more intelligent runs. Not to take anything away from Gentleman Geoff Aunger, for sheer ferocity my favorite on the list is Michelle Akers. I especially remember watching her during a "friendly" against China at RFK. She collected the ball and headed for the goal. One defender tried to deter her and was brushed aside. Another defender, who was directly in her path,thought about making a challenge, but after she saw what happened to the first girl she decided that she wanted to live and stepped aside. Michelle buried the ball in the net. Afterwards, a reporter asked Michelle what she would have done had the second defender tried for the tacke. Glaring, Michelle answered "she would have gone into the net along with the ball"!
Love the props for Roy. He was one of my all-time favorite players. Sure United got him on the downswing but he still had some great moments in DC. I particularly remember a game against Colorado when a few of the stars were missing and Wegerle dominated the match. He had a level of vision that not many had, and it may not have been pretty at all time but he could flat out finish. He should be a hall of famer some time soon. Anyone been to Oneonta to the hall? I'd bet quite a few players from the United dynasty will end up there before it's all said and done.
I went last summer. Nice place. My wife and I were 2 of only 4 people in the place that weekend afternoon. Really got a good chance to look at everthing. Too bad more people don't go to the place. Even watched DC get beat by San Jose on a replay monitor. Akers was a goddess. Only woman I've seen who could play with pro-men.