Timbers great and Ring of Honor member Clive Charles among 10 finalists for National Soccer Hall of Fame Builder list
The National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, announced today former NASL Timbers great and club Ring of Honor member Clive Charles as a finalist for the election to the Class of 2025 Builder Ballot.
Charles played for the Timbers as a defender during the NASL era from 1978-81. Following his playing career, Charles settled in the Rose City and became a key figure in the growth of soccer in Portland and the U.S. across youth, collegiate and professional ranks. This summer, the Timbers recognized and celebrated Charles' legacy with the release of a special edition third kit in July, called The Clive Kit.
The Hall of Fame Voting Committees will meet over the next several weeks and then vote to select a maximum of six new members; as many as three Players and two Veterans can be selected, along with one Builder.
The one Builder candidate who receives the most votes and are named on more than 50% of the ballots are automatically elected to the Hall of Fame. Learn more about eligibility and elections here.
Why Clive Charles is a Builder of soccer | From the Arclives
Charles’ coaching career includes 17 seasons (1986-2002) at the University of Portland, where he led both the men’s and women’s programs. He coached Portland to an NCAA Division I women’s championship in 2002 and collected 439 career combined victories. The players he developed at UP include Hall of Famers Kasey Keller, Shannon MacMillan, Steve Cherundolo and Tiffeny Milbrett. Current Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair, the all-time leader in international goals scored, was also a former Pilot under Charles.
Portland legend Christine Sinclair on Clive Charles' impact, winning the 2002 title | From the Arclives
Charles coached at multiple levels with U.S. Soccer, working with several players who have since been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was the head coach of the United States team that reached the semifinals of the 2000 Olympic Games, and was an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for May 3 in Frisco.
