Longtime Rapids defenseman Marcelo Balboa and current coach Fernando Clavijo were inducted Monday into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y.
The former teammates with the U.S. national team then displayed their veteran caginess to score an unorthodox penalty kick, sparking the Rapids to a 6-2 victory over D.C. United in an exhibition match.
“It was a great weekend for me, my family, Fernando and his family,” Balboa said. “We were able to share our careers since 1991. It’s nice to finally get that red jacket and get that ring and be inducted in the Hall of Fame.”
Balboa starred in three World Cups and became the face of the Rapids when Major League Soccer was founded in 1996.
Clavijo’s 15-year playing career included eight championships in the Major Indoor Soccer League where he was a 12-time all-star; a silver medal in the 1992 world championships; and an appearance in the 1994 World Cup.
In the exhibition match, Clavijo and Balboa started. The Rapids trailed 2-0 after 30 minutes before the Hall of Famers struck.
The Rapids were awarded a penalty kick, which Balboa took after a moment’s discussion. Balboa only tapped his shot and Clavijo charged in and powered it home.
The “old school” move, which is legal, had people stupefied and in stitches.
“It’s an old trick against younger players,” Balboa said.
The Rapids equalized just before halftime with a goal from newly signed international Dedi Ben-Dayan.
With Balboa and Clavijo on the bench, Colorado throttled the defending MLS champions with four goals in a 22-minute span. Luchi Gonzalez, Ricky Lewis and Littleton native Stephen Keel scored before Ben-Dayan added his second to seal the victory.
“Anytime you can win 6-2 and have two old guys on the field for a while is good,” Balboa said.
Former players John Harkes and Tab Ramos and administrator Hank Steinbrecher also were inducted Monday.
