Fernando Clavijo

Admitted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005, Fernando began his soccer career in the early 1970s in Uruguay, where he was born. He moved to the United States in 1970 and immediately set about establishing standards of excellence in the NASL and the MISL.

After becoming a US citizen in 1987, Fernando began representing the US internationally in 1990 and started for the US in its legendary triumph over Colombia during the 1994 World Cup. In 1998, he served as assistant coach to the Nigerian National Team.

Despite his outdoor soccer accolades, Fernando is perhaps best known for his prowess indoors. He played for the New York Arrows, San Diego Sockers, Los Angeles Lazers, and St.Louis Steamers in a stellar career that included a spot on the MISL's All-Decade Team. He won four championships with New York and San Diego, and he got his first coaching experience when he took over as coach of St.Louis in 1992.

Fernando coached the expansion Seattle SeaDogs of the CISL from worst to first and won the league's Lawrence Trophy in 1997. Fernando went on to coach the Florida ThunderCats (NPSL), the New England Revolution (MLS) and the Colorado Rapids (MLS). Fernando also served as Executive Director in 1997 for the World Indoor Soccer Championship, which was held in Mexico.