Soccer America Silver XI celebrity nominations

GK: Tony Meola

Comments: Tremendous personality and promoter for the game throughout World Cup '94.

Field Players:

Franz Beckenbauer

Pele

George Best

Comments: These three are all world class names who brought incredible talent and credibility to the game in the '70's and '80's.

Kyle Rote Jr.

Comments: He made a huge statement by playing soccer instead of following his huge father's football footsteps.

Johann Cruyff

Comments: Another world class player who brought talent and credibility to the game.

Rick Davis

Comments: A recognizable American player who could play with the ''big boys.''

Eric Wynalda

Marcello Balboa

Alexi Lalas

Cobi Jones

Comments: All these players have become household names through soccer in the USA and have all represented the U.S. credibly playing in foreign leagues.

Coach: Ron Newman

Comments: The best coach in the history of the game here in the U.S.

In celebration of our 25th Anniversary, Soccer America honors the 11 players and one coach from the past 25 years who've had the most positive impact on U.S. soccer. They are the Soccer America Silver XI — announced Dec. 14 at the Soccer America FanZone in Richmond, Va.