Lilly, Nicol Inducted into NESHOF

New England Soccer Hall of Fame board member Manny Lemos presents Kristine Lilly with her induction plaque at Sunday’s ceremony. (Photo: Tony Biscaia/RevsNet.com)

SEEKONK, Mass. – Kristine Lilly, the most capped player in soccer history, and Steve Nicol, who led the New England Revolution to four MLS Cup finals, were among seven inductees honored at the 35th Annual New England Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Johnson & Wales Inn on Sunday.

Lilly, who amassed a record 352 caps for the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1987-2010, went on to play in five World Cups (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007), and three Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004).  The Wilton, Conn. native also scored 130 goals in her international career, and played for the Boston Breakers between 2001-2003 and 2009-2011.

Nicol managed the Revolution from 2002-2011, and earned over 100 wins during his tenure in New England. He brought the club to all four of its MLS Cup finals appearances in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007, and guided them to the 2007 U.S. Open Cup championship. Prior to arriving in New England, Nicol played 15 seasons with Liverpool FC, and was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association in 1989.

In addition to Lilly and Nicol, David Caetano, a first round pick of the New York Cosmos in 1982, William Grant, the co-founder of the Rhode Island Over-30 men’s leagues, Telmo Pires, a LASA league standout for Taunton Eagles, Seamus Purcell, the current head coach of the Bryant University men’s soccer team, and Sal Rappolo, a longtime coach and referee in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, were also inducted.

Revolution broadcast executive/play-by-play broadcaster Brad Feldman delivered the keynote speech, while former Revolution broadcaster Doug Chapman emceed the event, which has been held every autumn since 1978.

Over 80 people were in attendance, including Revolution color commentator and former goalkeeper Jeff Causey, who was inducted into the Hall in 2008, as well as current U.S. Soccer referee assessor Angelo Bratsis, who was inducted in 2002.