Legendary Head Coach Ron Newman Honored

The Sockers saluted the legendary Ron Newman during Sunday's home opener between periods. The 10-time indoor champion head coach was escorted to the center of the field by his son Guy. During the presentation, Newman was joined by former players Rene Ortiz, Phil Salvagio and Ray Taila. He was recognized for his lifelong accomplishments in soccer.

Newman came to the United States to play for the Atlanta Chiefs in the National Professional Soccer League in 1967. He became both the head coach, as well as a player, for the Tornado until 1974. He retired from playing and became the team's dedicated head coach for the 1975 season. He took the Tornado to the NASL championship in 1971. In 1976, he coached the Los Angeles Skyhawks of the American Soccer League (ASL), taking them to the ASL championship, making Newman the only coach to win both an NASL and ASL title

In July 1980, Newman became coach of the Sockers and history was made. Newman became the first coach hired by the MLS when he joined the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer in 1995. The Wizards won the Western Division title in 1997. Newman retired 1999 with an all-time coaching record of 753–296–27. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1992.

 It was great to see him back on the arena floor.