Hanukkah Soccer Legends: Night 7 – Jeff Agoos | OneFootball

Jeff Agoos, nicknamed “Goose”, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, but raised in the United States. He became an accomplished defender and represented the U.S. in the highest levels of the sport. Competing in the 1985 and 1989 Maccabiah Games helped him reinforce and embrace his Jewish heritage. 

Agoos starred collegiately at the University of Virginia under coach Bruce Arena. Although a defender, scored 17 goals in 88 appearances and was a four-time All-American. UVA became NCAA co-champions with Santa Clara after the score remained tied after four overtimes. 

Before the launch of Major League Soccer, Agoos played professionally with several clubs, including the Maryland Bays, Los Angeles Salsa, Dallas Sidekicks (indoor), and Germany’s SV Wehen. He joined D.C. United with the founding of MLS in 1996, anchoring the back line of one of the league’s early dynasties. He made 115 league appearances and scored six goals while winning three MLS Cups (1996, 1997, 1999), a U.S. Open Cup, and multiple Supporters’ Shields. He was named to the MLS Best XI in 1997 and 1999.

He won two more MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003 with the San Jose Earthquakes, and also earned MLS Defender of the Year honors in 2001 and another Best XI selection. Overall, Agoos appeared in 263 MLS regular-season matches and scored 11 goals.

Internationally, Agoos was a mainstay for the U.S. Men’s National Team from 1988 to 2003, earning 134 caps and scoring four goals. He represented the U.S. at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and was part of the team that won the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup. 

Agoos was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009 and later transitioned into executive roles in MLS, cementing a legacy as both a trailblazing Jewish-American player and one of the league’s foundational figures.

About This Article Series

Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is celebrated over eight days and nights by followers of Judaism across the world. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the success of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

The holiday’s close proximity to Christmas has made it a mainstay within the United States and other western regions, even though its religious importance is somewhat minor. In observance of Hanukkah, Hooligan Soccer will present eight shining soccer players associated with the Jewish faith.

Night 1: Benny FeilhaberNight 2: Eran ZahaviNight 3: David “Dudu” AouateNight 4: Tai BariboNight 5: Oscar GloukhNight 6: Ronny Rosenthal