By Joey Johnston
The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame had a strong presence at Tuesday night’s international friendly between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium.
The TBSHOF’s 11-person inaugural class was introduced on the field at halftime.
It was former Tampa Bay Rowdie Mike Connell, former Eckerd College coach Jim Di Nobile, Paul Firmani (representing his father, Eddie Firmani, the first head coach of the Rowdies), longtime journalist and soccer executive Jim Henderson, Land O’Lakes High School coach Vicky King, and U.S. Soccer national assignor Mike Mekelburg Sr.
(Former Rowdies executive Francisco Marcos, former University of Tampa and USF head coach Jay Miller, former Rowdies player Derek Smethurst, former Rowdies owner George Strawbridge and former Rowdies player Steve Wegerle were unable to attend).
“It’s an honor to be recognized in front of our soccer community,’’ Connell said. “The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame has really done a great job with this. It’s a privilege to be part of the beginning. We’re off to a great start. Now it’s the responsibility of all of us to make sure this is around 50 years from now.’’
“As a National Assignor, I’m usually very busy at these U.S. Soccer events,’’ Mekelburg said. “Tonight, I get to relax and have some fun. This whole Hall of Fame thing has been quite an honor and something I never expected. I think it’s a great thing for soccer in our area. Anything to promote and recognize the game is a good thing.’’
Tuesday night’s match was also a highlight as the USMNT dismantled Uruguay 5-1, getting a brace from Alex Freeman, a defender who plays for Major League Soccer’s Orlando City.
Sebastian Berhalter scored off a set piece in the 17th minute for his first international goal, cutting a beautiful shot that twisted into the top-shelf right corner. Then it was Freeman on a header off a corner kick (from Berhalter).
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission has long been committed to promoting and developing soccer events for the Tampa Bay area. It was the 16th international men’s or women’s soccer match to be hosted by Ray-Jay.
This one was special. It was the first time for the USMNT to score five goals against a World Cup-winning nation (Uruguay won the event in 1930 and 1950). The USMNT also finished unbeaten (4-0-1) in its last five matches against opponents that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
“Tonight was a chance to build our chemistry and build our confidence,’’ Freeman said. “I think we go up from here. What a great night.’’
For the USMNT.
For Tampa Bay’s ongoing support of soccer.
And for the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame.
