Trinidad defender for Canada Hall of Fame

The Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum located at The Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan will induct Samuel among nine new members into its Hall of Fame in April 2006, the Canadian Soccer Association announced on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old Samuel, who appeared in more international matches for Canada than any other player, will be joined by fellow internationals Alex Bunbury, Brian Robinson and David Stothard in the Player Category.

Samuel, a central defender, played a record 84 times for Canada in full international competition from 1983 to 1997, including the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico when he appeared in all three matches. Following the World Cup, the famous Dutch club PSV Eindhoven signed Samuel where he played for two seasons before moving on to two other Dutch clubs, Volendam and Fortuna Sittard.

In 1983, he played for the Edmonton Eagles in the short-lived Canadian Professional Soccer League. He was drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps of the American Soccer League but did not play in the NASL.

His 84 internationals included 35 matches in World Cup competition.

He ended his career with Hampton Roads Mariners of the United Soccer League.

Samuel also signed with clubs in Portugal’s SuperLiga, and in the lower divisions of the Football League in England and in Norway.

The purpose of The Soccer Hall of Fame is to recognise and honour the Players and Builders who have made significant contributions to football in Canada and Ontario both on and off the field.