John Harkes

American soccer pioneer and Hall of Famer

via Wikipedia: John Harkes · see source

John Andrew Harkes (born March 8, 1967) is an American soccer coach and former professional player who last coached Greenville Triumph SC. A member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Harkes was the first American to play in the English Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, the second American to score at Wembley, and the first American soccer player to appear in the final of a major English tournament, in the 1991 Football League Cup Final with Sheffield Wednesday. After moving to Major League Soccer in 1996, he won two MLS Cup titles with D.C. United.

Quick Facts

Full name: John Andrew Harkes
Born: 8 March 1967
Birthplace: Kearny, New Jersey, United States
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 351
Total goals: 28

Lore & Background

Harkes grew up in Kearny, New Jersey, and played youth and high school soccer with future national team teammates Tony Meola and Tab Ramos. He graduated from Kearny High School in 1985, led his team to the 1984 Group 4 State Championship and a 24–0 record, and was the 1984 Parade High School Player of the Year. He played for University of Virginia, where he was named 1st team All-American in 1986 and 1987, and won the Hermann Award in 1987. In 1990, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday.

In a game against Derby County, his 35-yard blast earned him English football's 'Goal of the Season' award. He became the third American to play at Wembley when Sheffield Wednesday reached the 1991 League Cup final, where they upset Manchester United 1–0. In 1993, he appeared in the League Cup Final (a 2–1 loss to Arsenal) and the FA Cup Final (also losing to Arsenal). He moved to Derby County in summer 1993, then was loaned to West Ham United for the 1995–96 season.

In 1996, MLS allocated Harkes to D.C. United, making him the team's first player. He led the club to MLS Cup wins in 1996 and 1997, and also won the U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and Interamerican Cup. In 1999, he was traded to the New England Revolution, where he played until being dealt to the Columbus Crew in 2001. After an injury-plagued 2002 season, he announced his retirement in 2003.

Harkes made his national team debut on March 23, 1987, against Canada. He played in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, and in Copa América 1995 he led the U.S. to a 3–0 upset of defending champion Argentina and a semi-final finish, being named co-Most Valuable Player. He ended his national team career with 90 caps and six goals.

Reader's Guide

Harkes was named 'Captain for Life' by head coach Steve Sampson before having that title stripped ahead of the 1998 World Cup. He was left off the 1998 World Cup squad. After retirement, he served as a color commentator for ESPN's coverage of MLS and U.S. international matches, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.