Kristine Lilly, soccer’s all-time international caps leader, and U.S. national team forward Brian McBride have been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as first-ballot player inductees. Joining them in the Class of 2014 is former U.S. men’s national team and MLS coach Bob Bradley on the Builder Ballot.
None of the candidates on the Veteran Ballot received the required amount of votes to be elected this year. Further information regarding the induction ceremony for the 2014 Class will be announced at a later date.
Lilly played 352 games for the United States between 1987 and 2010 and won two World Cups (1991 and 1999) and two Olympics (1996 and 2004). She continues to work in the game as Director of the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy and an instructor for TeamFirst Soccer Academy.
“One of the most humbling parts of this is being inducted with so many of the greats that came before me,” said Lilly. “It’s always an honor to be recognized for something you’ve done, especially for something we did for so long on the U.S. team. It was amazing to wear that U.S. jersey for so long, and I’m forever grateful for the time I was able to play and really grateful for this honor.”
McBride played in three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006) and earned 95 caps. His 30 international goals helped the team reach the semifinals of the 1999 Confederations Cup, claim the 2002 Gold Cup title and reach the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup — the best finish by the USA in the modern era. He had the winning goal in the 2-0 win over Mexico in the second round. He played 11 seasons in MLS with the Columbus Crew (1996-2003) and Chicago Fire (2008-10), as well as seven seasons with three English teams, including five with Fulham, where he was named captain in his final season. Currently, McBride works as an analyst for FOX Soccer.
“It’s such an honor to be part of this select group. My first reaction after hearing about this was I got chills,” said McBride. “For me, it’s not something you think about while playing. I’m just honored to be thought of in this light by my peers and the press.”
As head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, Bob Bradley guided the team to the 2007 Gold Cup title and 2009 Confederations Cup final. It also had a first-place finish in Group C at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
As an MLS head coach, Bradley led the Chicago Fire to the league and cup double in its first MLS season in 1998. He coached the Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA before being named national team coach in 1996. He served as the Egyptian national team coach during 2014 World Cup qualifying and is currently the manager of Norwegian club Stabaek.
“The game has grown tremendously in the United States through the efforts of a great number of people, and I have always respected those who have given so much to move the sport forward,” said Bradley. “Many of them have been recognized in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and I am honored to be included.”