Joe-Max Makes it to the Hall

Former Revolution striker Joe-Max Moore was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Wednesday. (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

One of the most dangerous goalscorers in U.S. Soccer history has finally gotten the sport’s ultimate recognition.

After falling short six times, former Revolution striker Joe-Max Moore, who scored important goals for club and country during his career, was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Wednesday along with current Sporting K.C. head coach Peter Vermes.

Moore scored 53 goals in two stints for the Revs (1996-99, 2003-04), the second-most in franchise history behind Taylor Twellman (101). He was part of three different World Cup teams for the U.S. (1994, 1998, 2002), and tallied 24 career goals in 100 international appearances.

His final two international goals came in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Jamaica at Foxboro Stadium on Oct. 7, 2001 that sent the U.S. to the 2002 World Cup. The clinching victory came less than a month after the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

On Wednesday, he acknowledged his induction on Facebook.

“Truly appreciate all teammates, coaches, clubs, writers, friends and family for their love and support over the years,” wrote Moore. “The journey from the fields of Broken Arrow, OK to 3 World Cups for the United States was amazing. What a massive honor…I couldn’t be happier.”

In 1999, he became one of the first notable MLS players to successfully make the leap to the EPL, where he played for Everton until 2002. He scored eight goals in 52 appearances for the Toffees.

Moore was the lone selection from this year’s player ballot. He had only one year of eligibility remaining before ending up on the veteran’s ballot. He first appeared on the player ballot in 2007.

Vermes collected 67 caps and scored 11 goals for the U.S. National Team between 1988-97, and was a part of the 1990 World Cup team. From 1996-2002, he played for the New York MetroStars, Colorado Rapids and Kansas City Wizards. He was named Sporting K.C. head coach in 2009.

The location and date for the 2013 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is still to be determined and will be announced at a later date.

Another former Revolution forward – Taylor Twellman – was a first-time nominee on this year’s player ballot, but did not receive the requisite 66.7 percent of the vote to earn induction.