Chris Dangerfield elected to San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that Chris Dangerfield has been elected to the club’s Hall of Fame. A player for the Quakes back in the 1980s and a broadcaster during the team’s MLS era, Dangerfield becomes the 11th member to receive the honor, as selected by a committee consisting of former players, administrators, and members of the media.

Back in the early 1970s, Dangerfield was a young English footballer looking for an opportunity to play the sport he loved. He signed his first professional contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the talented teenager never say any time with the first team.

Dangerfield was loaned to the Portland Timbers in 1975 for their inaugural season in the NASL, and he thrived in the United States. As was common in those days, the midfielder moved from one NASL team to another, playing alongside the legendary Johann Cruyff while with the LA Aztecs. He joined the San Jose Earthquakes in the early 1980s, and he knew he had finally found a home.

“When I had an opportunity to come to San Jose in 1981, I immediately knew it’s where I wanted to make my life,” Dangerfield said in a club statement. “The Earthquakes organization has always treated me so well and truly made me part of their family.”

Dangerfield featured for the Quakes over four seasons during the 80s, playing in the NASL, NASL Indoor, the Major Indoor Soccer League and the Western Soccer Alliance. He recorded 14 goals and 14 assists from 1982-83, helping the 1983 Earthquakes to an undefeated season at home and and semifinal appearance in the playoffs. In 1985, Dangerfield was named the 1985 Earthquakes MVP.

When the team reformed as the Clash in newly established Major League Soccer in 1996, Dangerfield stepped into a broadcasting role. He was the team’s color analyst for four seasons before taking on other other soccer related opportunities. He came back into the Earthquakes fold in 2014 and has been a part of the TV broadcasting team ever since.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be in the Hall of Fame. There’s so many people that I would like to and will thank and that includes the players and the fans that have always been so supportive of me.”

The Earthquakes will induct Dangerfield into the Hall of Fame at halftime of their game against, fittingly, the Timbers on May 5 at Avaya Stadium. As part of the celebration, the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive commemorative pennants.

San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame members

John Doyle
Ronald Cerritos
Troy Dayak
Milan Mandaric (Builder)
Paul Child
Gabbo Gavric
Peter Bridgwater (Builder)
Johnny Moore
Ramiro Corrales
Joe Cannon
Chris Dangerfield