D.C. United announced today that the induction of former midfielder Richie Williams into theD.C. United Hall of Tradition presented by Yuengling has been rescheduled forOctober 15, when the Black-and-Red host the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. ET. The induction was originally scheduled forthe August 27 match against the Portland Timbers, but that contest was moved toOctober 19 due to Hurricane Irene.
The induction serves as the highest club honor and is reserved solelyfor iconic performers. Williams and hisfamily will be present through that weekend and will be honored at halftime ofthe match. Tickets are available viadcunited.com and through all TicketMaster outlets.
“Richie was a key member of the early D.C. United teams who set astandard for MLS, which remains unmatched,”said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “Hisintelligence and fiery determination on the field was a critical ingredient inour success. His work rate and understanding of the game allowed our moreglamorous players to be successful, but his contributions were no lessimportant to our many championships. It’s absolutely appropriate thatRichie be inducted into the Hall of Tradition, alongside John Harkes, MarcoEtcheverry, Jeff Agoos, Raul Diaz Arce and Eddie Pope.”
A never-say-dieplayer and original member of D.C. United, midfielder Williams is bestremembered for his appetite for the ball and his dogged tackling. Herepresented the club during six of the eight seasons he played in Major LeagueSoccer (1996-2000 and 2002). While with the Black-and-Red, Williams was a partof three MLS Cup titles (1996, 1997 and 1999), a U.S. Open Cup championship(1996), two Supporters Shields (1997 and 1999) and the 1998 Champions Cup andInterAmerican Cup victories.
“It’s an honor to beinducted into the Hall,” said Williams. “I had the pleasure of playing, working and winning championships withthe best players, coaches and front office staff in MLS history. The memories from those years areunforgettable and D.C. United will always hold a special place in myheart. I want to thank the fans for thisspecial honor and look forward to celebrating with them.”
As the most successfulorganization in the history of American professional soccer, D.C. United hasbeen represented by some of the most talented players and staff in Major LeagueSoccer history. Whether on the field orin the front office, inductees to the Hall of Tradition have been integral inthe success of the Black-and-Red. Through the Hall, D.C. United and the club’s legendary supporters payhomage to those enshrined within. Created in 2003 in conjunction with the induction of John Harkes, theHall of Tradition is an eternal home for lasting memories of United’s greatestsuccesses and most influential components. Former players previously inducted include Marco Etcheverry (2007), JeffAgoos (2008), Raúl Díaz Arce (2009), Eddie Pope (2010), front office employeeBetty D’Anjolell (2008) and former radio broadcaster Danilo Diron (2009).
In order to be eligible as aformer player, an individual must have been retired as a player for at leasttwo (2) years, but no more than 10 years, played at least three seasons forD.C. United and appeared in 50 or more League games for the club. From a group achieving those credentials,finalists are selected via a private voting by club owners, executives andformer players. Inductees are determinedby a fan vote, the winner needing to achieve 50% of the ballots.
