Hall of Famer Clavijo dies at 63
Former U.S. national team player and soccer Hall of Famer Fernando Clavijo died Friday at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after a long battle with multiple myeloma. He was 63.
Clavijo had been battling the blood cancer for five years.
Clavijo, a defender, earned 61 caps with the national team and played the entire match in the historic 2-1 victory over Colombia at the Rose Bowl during the 1994 World Cup.
"It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Fernando Clavijo's passing on Feb. 8 after a courageous battle with cancer," Clavijo's family said in a statement released Saturday. "The support and encouragement he received from friends and the entire soccer community throughout his fight will always be appreciated.
"At this time the Clavijo family requests privacy as we mourn the loss of a great man and no additional statements will be made."
In addition to his stellar outdoor career, Clavijo was a 12-time All-Star as an indoor player. He was named Major Indoor Soccer League Defender of the Year three times, was named the league's top player of the decade for the 1980s, and played on three championship teams with the San Diego Sockers.
Clavijo served as head coach of two MLS teams -- New England Revolution (32-41-14 from 2000-02) and Colorado Rapids (39-49-25 from 2005-08) -- and also spent six years as technical director of FC Dallas. Clavijo resigned his position with FC Dallas in September due to his health.
"Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Fernando, and our heartfelt condolences are with Martha and the Clavijo family in this difficult time," FC Dallas chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement.
"From his days as a player with the U.S. Men's National Team to his time as a coach and technical director in Major League Soccer, Fernando made a significant impact on American soccer. But beyond the pitch, his warmth, enthusiasm and joyful spirit made him beloved by everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed."
Clavijo was born in Uruguay and gained U.S. citizenship in 1987. He made his national team debut in 1990.
Clavijo was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.
--Field Level Media
