D.C. United announced today plans to induct former midfielder Richie Williams to the D.C. United Hall of Tradition presented by Yuengling when the Black-and-Red host the Portland Timbers August 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The induction serves as the highest club honor and is reserved solely for iconic performers. Williams and his family will be present through that weekend and will be honored at halftime of the match. Tickets are available via dcunited.com and through all TicketMaster outlets.
“Richie was a key member of the early D.C. United teams who set a standard for MLS, which remains unmatched,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “His intelligence and fiery determination on the field was a critical ingredient in our success. His work rate and understanding of the game allowed our more glamorous players to be successful, but his contributions were no less important to our many championships. It’s absolutely appropriate that Richie be inducted into the Hall of Tradition, alongside John Harkes, Marco Etcheverry, Jeff Agoos, Raul Diaz Arce and Eddie Pope.”
A never-say-die player and original member of D.C. United, midfielder Williams is best remembered for his appetite for the ball and his dogged tackling. He represented the club during six of the eight seasons he played in Major League Soccer (1996-2000 and 2002). While with the Black-and-Red, Williams was a part of 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 and InterAmerican Cup victories.
“It’s an honor to be inducted into the Hall,” said Williams. “I had the pleasure of playing, working and winning championships with the best players, coaches and front office staff in MLS history. The memories from those years are unforgettable and D.C. United will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank the fans for this special honor and look forward to celebrating with them on August 27.”
As the most successful organization in the history of American professional soccer, D.C. United has been represented by some of the most talented players and staff in Major League Soccer history. Whether on the field or in the front office, inductees to the Hall of Tradition have been integral in the success of the Black-and-Red. Through the Hall, D.C. United and the club’s legendary supporters pay homage to those enshrined within. Created in 2003 in conjunction with the induction of John Harkes, the Hall of Tradition is an eternal home for lasting memories of United’s greatest successes and most influential components. Former players previously inducted include Marco Etcheverry (2007), Jeff Agoos (2008), Raúl Díaz Arce (2009), Eddie Pope (2010), front office employee Betty D’Anjolell (2008) and former radio broadcaster Danilo Diron (2009).
In order to be eligible as a former player, an individual must have been retired as a player for at least two (2) years, but no more than 10 years, played at least three seasons for D.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 and former players. Inductees are determined by a fan vote, the winner needing to achieve 50% of the ballots.
