FOXBORO -- New England Revolution coach Brad Friedel has been named to the ballot for the National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2018 elections. In addition, general manager Michael Burns is one of nine former players eligible for election as a Veteran candidate.



Friedel is in his first year of eligibility after completing his playing career in 2014 as one of the most acclaimed American goalkeepers in history. In addition to earning 82 career caps and appearing in six FIFA World Cup matches, Friedel enjoyed a 17-year career in the English Premier League, where he made 310 consecutive starts in goal and ranks among the top 10 all-time with 132 clean sheets. He has won many individual honors over the years, including being named Major League Soccer goalkeeper of the year in 1997, English Premier League goalkeeper of the year in 2003, and the U.S. Soccer Federation’s men’s athlete of the year in 2002.



Burns, who played in 75 international matches for the USMNT between 1992 and 1998, remains on the ballot as a Veteran candidate. Now in his seventh season as General Manager of the Revolution, Burns was a member of the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup squads, and competed in the 1992 Olympics Games. His club career was highlighted by a seven-year playing career in Major League Soccer from 1996-2002, where he made 75 total appearances for New England, San Jose, and Kansas City.



In addition, former Revolution players Taylor Twellman (2002-09) and Steve Ralston (2002-09) remain on the 2018 Player ballot.



Voting begins today and runs through Monday, March 26 for the Player, Veteran Player, and Builder categories. The results of voting will be announced at a later date, and the grand opening of the National Soccer Hall of Fame is set for the weekend of October 20-21, 2018.