Legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard, who played in 121 matches for the United States men's national team, was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas on Saturday.

Howard played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups during his stint on the national team from 2002-17.

"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 during his induction speech. "For that I'm most grateful."

Also inducted on Saturday were former U.S. women's midfielder Tisha Venturini-Hoch, former U.S. National 7-a-side Paralympic Team captain Josh McKinney and executive Francisco Marcos.

Howard, now 45, holds the World Cup record for most saves in a match with 16 when the U.S. faced Belgium in the 2014 World Cup. It was the second straight World Cup that Howard stood out in goal.

In addition to his time with the U.S. National team, Howard played for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (1998-2003) and Colorado Rapids (2016-2019) of Major League Soccer and Manchester United (2003-06) and Everton (2006-16) in the English Premier League, where he earned goalkeeper of the year honors in 2004.

Venturini-Hoch, 51, played 134 matches for the U.S. women's squad between 1992-2000. She played in two World Cups and was part of the famous 1999 team that won the Women's World Cup.

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

McKinney was born with cerebral palsy that affected the right side of his body. He made 124 appearances and scored 81 goals over 19 years, and played in three Paralympics (1996, 2004, 2012), before retiring in 2014.

"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."

Marcos was the longtime head of the United Soccer League, the lower-division level in the United States.

Source:
courtesy of ESPN

by Field Level Media

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