BIOGRAPHY

John Harkes was born in Kearny, NJ. Harkes is a former American soccer player. Harkes was the first American ever to play in the English Premier League, and also the first American to score at Wembley Stadium. A mainstay in the US National Team midfield for most of the 1990s, he ended his National Team career with 90 caps and 6 goals. John returned to the US for the inception of MLS, where he played and coached for DC United and New York Red Bulls. Harkes now is a color commentator for the MLS on ESPN calling games.

Athletic Achievements

• National Soccer Hall of Fame
• Harkes appeared in the 2005 film The Game of Their Lives in the role of Ed McIlvenny
• 1996 named “Captain for Life” by US National Team coach Steve Sampson
• 1996 and 1997 MLS Cup with DC United
• First player for DC United of the new Major League Soccer in 1996
• 1995 Copa América Co-MVP
• Named to People Magazine's 1994 “50 Most Beautiful People" list
• In 1993, Harkes became the only American to score in a League Cup Final in a 2-1 loss to Arsenal and his goal was also the first by an American at Wembley Stadium
• Member of 1990 and 1994 US FIFA World Cups
• 1989 All Star with the Albany Capitals of the American Soccer League
• Member of US 1988 Olympic Team
• 1987 MAC Player of the Year