University of North Carolina Athletics
Eddie Pope Inducted Into National Soccer Hall Of Fame
June 15, 2011 | Men's Soccer
June 15, 2011
CHICAGO - Former Tar Heel All-America Eddie Pope was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame earlier this month. Pope was a first team All-America at Carolina in 1994 before going on to win three MLS Cups and represent the United States on three separate occasions in the FIFA World Cup.
Eddie Pope was a perennial anchor of the U.S. defense for nearly a decade and is tied for the most FIFA World Cup qualifying appearances in U.S. history. Pope played the majority of his professional career with D.C. United where he won three MLS Cups. Pope is the first three-time World Cup veteran to play his entire professional career in Major League Soccer.
Pope was a four-year starter for the Tar Heels earning All-ACC and All-America honors before going on to represent the United States at the 1996 Olympic games. Pope appeared in three World Cups for the U.S. as well from 1998 to 2006. He was also named one of the top 50 players in ACC history in 2002.
Established in 1950, the National Soccer Hall of Fame is dedicated to the sport of soccer in America by celebrating its history, preserving its legacy, inspiring its youth and honoring its heroes for generations to come.
