RSL Legends Named National Soccer Hall of Fame Finalists

The National Soccer Hall of Fame released its annual list of finalists for selection to the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022, included is Real Salt Lake Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni and legendary Club goalkeeper Nick Rimando, both as a Player Ballot finalists.  Additionally, midfielder Clint Mathis, part of RSL’s inaugural roster in 2005 and the 2009 MLS Cup winning team is available for selection on the Veteran Ballot. 

Mastroeni played 16 seasons in Major League Soccer between 1998 and 2013, during which he appeared for Miami Fusion, Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy. As a player he was selected for the MLS Best XI in 2001, and lifted the MLS Cup in 2010 as a member of the Rapids. In total, Mastroeni appeared in 334 regular season games and 27 playoff games. Additionally, the former midfielder made 65 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team and featured for the Stars and Stripes at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup tournaments. 

Rimando retired from professional soccer following the 2019 season, hanging up his cleats after 20 seasons in the league, 13 of which were between the pipes for Real Salt Lake. Rimando finished his career as arguably the greatest goalkeeper in league history, making a league-record 1,712 saves across 514 matches, while also setting a league record with 154 clean sheets. After making three penalty kick saves in the shootout to win the 2009 MLS Cup, Rimando was awarded the MLS Cup MVP, becoming only the second goalkeeper to ever do so. Individually, Rimando was named a six-time MLS All-Star and a three-time recipient of the MLS Save of the Year. With Miami Fushion he won the 2001 Supporter’s Shield, and with D.C. United won the 2004 Supporter’s Shield and the 2004 MLS Cup. Additionally, Rimando was a member of the United States’ 2014 FIFA World Cup roster.

Mathis played 12 seasons in MLS from 1998 to 2010, including two years with Real Salt Lake (2005 and 2008). The former midfielder appeared in 230 matches, recording 59 goals and 45 assists. In 2001 he was named to the MLS BEST XI and awarded the MLS Goal of the Year. Mathis was also part of the Claret-and-Cobalt squad that lifted the first and only MLS Cup for the Utah Club, making the first shot in the penalty shootout which helped RSL take the victory over LA Galaxy.

The Hall of Fame Selection Committees can select as many as three players, two veterans.