Carlos Bocanegra was not elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on his first attempt. The Class of 2018 was revealed on Thursday.
Now the Atlanta United Technical Director and Vice President, Bocanegra had a long playing career with the United States Men’s National Team. His time included captaining a U.S. World Cup team.
Bocanegra was in his first year of eligibility and one of 32 players on the players’ ballot, including nine first-time nominees. He was announced as a finalist in March.
The Class of 2018 consists of MLS commissioner Don Garber, goalkeeper Brad Friedel, women’s national team member Cindy Parlow Cone and former U.S. Soccer president Dr. Bob Contiguglia.
Bocanegra, a defender, played in leagues in both the United States and Europe during his career. He played 110 full internationals for the United States between 2001 and 2012, including six games at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He was the regular captain of the USMNT from 2007-12, including the team that reached the second round of the 2010 World Cup, the team that reached the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup and the team that won the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. His national team record also included 31 World Cup qualifiers from 2004-12.
Bocanegra played six seasons in MLS between 2000 and 2014, the first four of those with the Chicago Fire and the last two with Chivas. He was the MLS Rookie of the Year and a two-time MLS Defender of the Year.
In between his two MLS stints, he played five seasons in the English Premier League, three seasons in the French first division, one season in the Scottish Premier League and one season in the Spanish second division.
Bocanegra was named Technical Director of Atlanta United in March of 2015. In October of 2017, he was given a four-year contract extension and promoted to vice president. His contract runs through 2022.
The grand opening of the National Soccer Hall of Fame will be Oct. 20-21 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The induction ceremony will be Oct. 20 as part of the weekend.
