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DENVER, CO (Colorado Rapids Media Relations) ? The Colorado Rapids? Head Coach Fernando Clavijo, a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Soccer National Team, the American Soccer League, the North American Soccer League, and Major Indoor Soccer League, has been elected to the Hall of Fame by votes cast by Hall of Famers, from a list of more then 300 eligible veteran players.

?One thinks there is the potential to be recognized for contributions to the game. But when than recognition comes, it is overwhelming and totally unexpected,? said Rapids Head Coach Fernando Clavijo. ?I have won 10 championships in my soccer career, but this is a greater honor than any I have ever received as a player.?

?It is an overwhelming honor to have two National Soccer Hall of ?It is an overwhelming honor to have two National Soccer Hall of Famers working for our organization,? said Rapids CEO and General Manager Charlie Wright. ?Fernando is a dedicated person that has devoted his life to the game of soccer with a great passion that has led him to achieve many goals and to be recognized as one of the best in the sport in our country. We feel honored that he is leading the future of our team with that same approach, and can?t wait to see him achieve even more recognition at the reins of the Rapids.?

?Fernando is another great addition to the Class of 2005,? Hall of Fame President/CEO Will Lunn said. ?His soccer career began in the American Soccer League, and his greatest club achievements were in the MISL with many championships, but it was his service to the US National Team in the 90?s and in the 1994 World Cup that has earned him this distinction.?

Among the previously-announced members of the Class of 2005 is the Rapids? Soccer Ambassador, Marcelo Balboa, who played alongside Clavijo during the 1994 World Cup. Not only friends off the field, both of the former U.S. National Team players were roommates during the entire World Cup in 1994.

The other previously-announced members of the US National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2005 are John Harkes, Tab Ramos and ?Builder of the Sport? Hank Steinbrecher. The Colin Jose Media Award will be announced on a later date in June.

All of the inductees will be honored on August 28 and 29, in Oneonta, NY at the Induction 2005 event, which will also include an exhibition game between the Colorado Rapids and MLS defending champions DC United.

Fernando Clavijo Bio:

-Born in Maldonado, Uruguay

-Came to the United States in 1979 to play for the New York Apollos of the American Soccer League

-Played for New York United of the ASL in 1980-1981

-Played for New York Arrows, San Diego Sockers, Los Angeles Lazers, and St. Louis Storm of the Major Indoor Soccer League, from 1981-1991.

-Named an MISL All-Star 12 times

-Played for the NASL Golden Bay Earthquakes 1983-1984. Selected to NASL All-Star team in 1984

-Made US National Team debut on November 21, 1990. Played 61 times for the USA, including 3 starts in the 1994 World Cup.

-Following playing career, turned to coaching, with stints in the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the U.S. Nike Project 40 team, the Nigerian National Team in the 1998 World Cup, the Haitian National Team in 2006 World Cup Qualifying, and the New England Revolution of MLS.

-Currently Head Coach of the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.