NFL
By Keith Richards
Colorado Rapids Head Coach Chris Armas will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame this Saturday. Born and bred in New York, the MLS and United States Men’s National Team legend joins the likes of Brandi Chastain and Landon Donovan as United States soccer elites. After a 14-year playing career, Chris Armas is more than deserving of the honor. As we look back at the career of Chris Armas, you will see why.
Chris Armas’s professional career started with the Long Island Rough Riders. It ended with the Chicago Fire. Over those 264 appearances, the midfielder scored 20 goals. In his MLS career, Armas tallied 36 goal contributions (12 goals and 24 assists). However, being more of a defensive midfielder, not everything Chris Armas did on the pitch translates to goals and assists.
Over his playing career, Chris Armas accomplished the following:
- 1998 MLS Cup Champion with the LA Galaxy
- 2003 Supporters’ Shield with the Chicago Fire
- Four-time U.S. Open Cup Champion with the Chicago Fire (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006)
- Five-time MLS Best XI (1998-2001, 2003)
- Six-time MLS All-Star
- 2003 MLS Comeback Player of the Year
Consequently, on the pitch, success in MLS led to Armas’ appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. Between 1998 and 2005, Chris had 66 appearances for the United States and scored two goals. Unfortunately, Chris Armas would never appear for the USMNT in a World Cup. Chris tore his ACL just before the 2002 World Cup and did not make the final squad for the 2006 World Cup. Still, Armas was a member of the 2002 and 2005 USMNT squads that won the Gold Cup. In addition, Chris Armas was named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2000.
As you can see, there is no doubt that Chris deserves his induction. Armas has a lot in his career to be proud of. During a recent press conference, I asked Chris about the proudest moment of his career. Chris Armas stated, “I would say that one of the happiest moments I’ve had on a pitch was winning the MLS Cup in 1998. Because I think for any athlete to be able to, at any given moment, say you’re the best in the country like we were.”
Chris continues, “You can argue certain things about being lucky, or this or that, but for a small amount of time, you can say we’re the best. I already knew this coming into it all, how through high school and college, semi-professional, like standing on that podium when it’s all said and done, it’s so rare. In 1996, we had lost the MLS Cup Final when I was at the LA Galaxy after being up 2-0. Then, to win it two years later, not knowing if we’d ever get back to that game, I remember what it felt like when we lost.”
Armas finished, “This is the beauty of sport. That, especially when you put yourself out there, experiencing the lows, and then, because you do put yourself out there, you can experience the highs of it. So, that was a really proud part, a small part, of a really good team, and I felt really a part of that team.”
As Chris Armas is set to enter the National Soccer Hall of Fame, I’m sure he’s reflecting on the ups and downs of his professional career. Matt Pollard of Burgundy Wave asked Chris about that reflection during the press conference. Pollard asked Armas if he could sit down with his college self, what advice would Chris give his younger self about life, coaching, and playing professionally?
Chris Armas stated, “I would say, ‘Chris, stick to who you are. Stay the course. Continue to do the right things for the right reasons, but most of all, be yourself because that’s good enough.’ I think that without knowing all the challenges ahead, and the ups and downs, to say, ‘Life is going to throw some things at you. Never really get too high or low, but certainly, when things get tough, just dig deep and be that example.’”
Chris Armas’ entry into the National Soccer Hall of Fame can be seen as the end of his career as a player. The book on his coaching career is still being written. I asked Head Coach Chris Armas what’s next for him. His answer was simple: It’s all about the Colorado Rapids.
Chris stated, “Next is all about what I’m doing right now. I’m all in on the Colorado Rapids. I love this team; I love being a part of it, same way you feel good about being part of any real team. I have an engaged group. I have a team of winners, guys that give me joy, and I’m fortunate to be in this position. So, we are determined, and I’m determined to keep making some noise with this team and trying to create a winning culture and putting down a winning team for our fans. So, it’s not a light switch, what I’m doing next. It’s a process. We’re trying to build something real, promise you.”
As of April 30th, the Colorado Rapids are fifth in the Western Conference. They head to the East Coast to face DC United on Saturday, which is a busy day for Chris Armas. In the morning, Armas enters the Hall of Fame in Frisco, TX. Then, Chris flies to DC to be with the Rapids for their 5:30 p.m. MST kickoff. Just one last show of the dedication that landed Chris Armas in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Armas continues to be as dedicated a coach as he was a player. The Colorado Rapids are in good hands.
