Canada Soccer unveils The Hall’s Best XIs from 100 years

The Canadian Soccer Association has announced the selection of two “Best XI n 50 Years” by The Soccer Hall of Fame in honour of Association’s centenary celebrations. The two lists pay tribute to 22 players from two distinct eras in Canadian football: a team of XI from 1912-1962 and a team of XI from 1963-2012.

“We are pleased to announce this accomplished group of footballers from our country’s first 100 years,” said Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani. “The Canadian Soccer Association wishes to thank The Soccer Hall of Fame for its continued role in honouring the history of the beautiful game in our country and for their support of our Centennial celebrations through the selection of these two “Best XI in 50 years.””

The “Best in 50 Years: 1912-1962” features players from the first 50 years of the Association’s history, with contributions by notable soccer historian Colin Jose. The “Best in 50 Years: 1963-2012” features players from the most recent 50 years in Canadian football, as selected by The Soccer Hall of Fame.

The Canadian Soccer Association celebrates its 100th anniversary throughout the 2012 calendar year. While soccer (football) has been played in Canada since 1876, the Canadian Soccer Association (or the Dominion of Canada Football Association as it was known in the day) was inaugurated on 24 May 1912. As part of the centennial celebrations, the Canadian Soccer Association will unveil the “Top-10 Moments” in Canadian soccer history as well as engage soccer fans to select the “All-Time Canada XI” teams for men’s and women’s football. The celebrations will culminate with Canada’s Centennial Match on 3 June at BMO Field.

The Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum helps preserve and display the history of soccer in Canada. From 2000 to 2011, it has honoured 75 players, 48 builders and five pioneers, as well as nine Teams of Distinction and two Organizations of Distinction. Its 2012 Induction Banquet is scheduled for 2 June in Toronto, with tickets available for purchase thesoccerhalloffame.ca.

The Soccer Hall of Fame’s Best XI in 50 Years: 1912-1962 

The Soccer Hall of Fame’s Best XI in 50 Years: 1963-2012