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Arena, Payne on Builders Ballot for soccer hall of fame

29 Jan, 2008

By: Chris Hummer, Editor - Potomac Soccer Wire

D.C. United President Kevin Payne and former UVA and D.C. United coach Bruce Arena have been nominated for induction into the national soccer hall of fame's Builders Ballot. The honor recognizes an individual each year who has contributed significantly to building the sport of soccer in the United States from somewhere other than the playing field (at least as a player anyway - you'll see a National Referee on the Ballot).  While this year's list of nominees includes 16, only the top vote getter is admitted each year, so long as they receive at least 50% of the total vote.

Payne has been at the helm of D.C. United since its inception; including a role as VP of Soccer Operations overseeing all MLS teams owned by AEG at one time. Many believe it's no coincidence that United's "down years" - where they missed the playoffs in three straight seasons - were a direct result of Payne not spending 100% of his time with the club. When he returned full time to steward United, they promptly won their fourth MLS Cup Championship in 2004, and have held the best overall record in the league two out of the next three years. The team boasts the best international scouting network, and top front office performance in the league.

Arena built the University of Virginia men's soccer program into a dynasty for two decades before joining MLS in 1996 as United's first Head Coach. After two MLS Cup Championships, a U.S. Open Cup title, and three MLS Championship match appearances in his first three seasons, he was tapped to head the full U.S. Men's National Team after the 1998 debacle in the France World Cup. In four short years he lead the team from world laughing stock to World Cup Quarterfinals during 23 wonderful days in South Korea.

Both Payne and Arena have had a profound affect on the growth of the sport of soccer in the United States. Arena more a public face, with Payne just off stage calmly pulling the strings. It’s a tough nominating group, but whether or not either is inducted this year, it truly must be just an honor to be nominated. It’s certainly very deserved.

[+ full list of Builders Ballot candidates]

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