Frisco, Texas — On Tuesday afternoon, the National Soccer Hall of Fame (NSHOF) announced that Adelphi Hall of Famer Chris Armas will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on May 3, 2025.

"This is a well-deserved recognition for Chris' many contributions to the sport of soccer in this country. He had an outstanding playing career and currently enjoys a tremendous coaching career," Adelphi Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Danny McCabe said. "He's widely recognized as one of the best to ever play the sport in this country and this honor solidifies that notion. Chris has always represented Adelphi University and the Long Island community with class and we couldn't be more happy for him and his family."

Armas was a four year player at Adelphi, helping guide the Panthers to three NCAA tournament appearances. During his freshman year, the 'Cats set a school record for most wins in a season with 14 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. As a senior, he led Adelphi in scoring with 17 points (7 goals, 3 assists). Armas was an All-American, All-New York State selection and was voted team MVP. He finished his career with a total of 49 points (17 goals, 5 assists).

After his playing career in Garden City came to a close, Armas was drafted by the LA Galaxy and played a significant role in the franchise's first two seasons. He was then traded to the Chicago Fire, where he became a club legend. His accolades include an MLS Cup in 1998, a Supporters' Shield in 2003 and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006). Armas was named an MLS All-Star six-times (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004), and is one of only five players in league history to have been named to the MLS Best XI five times (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003). After recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in 2002, Armas was named the MLS Comeback Player of the Year in 2003, as well as the Chicago Fire's MVP during their Supporters' Shield-winning run.

The former Brentwood native starred for the United States national team, accumulating 66 caps for the Stars and Stripes, winning two CONCACAF Gold cups in 2002 and 2005 as well as being named U.S. Soccer's Male Athlete of the Year in 2000. Armas wore the captain's armband on multiple occasions, including for his 50th cap against Cameroon on June 23rd, 2003. He was named to the final 23-player roster for the U.S. World Cup team traveling to Korea for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but the aforementioned ACL tear ruled him out for the tournament.

Armas began his coaching career in 2008 as an assistant for the Chicago Fire before returning to Adelphi in 2011 when he was named the head coach of the women's soccer team. With Armas at the helm, the 'Cats amassed a 46-23-10 record, four straight NE10 postseason appearances and one trip to the NCAA tournament. In 2012, Adelphi became the first #8 seed in NE10 championship history to reach the title game with upset victories over #10 nationally ranked American International and #4 seeded Merrimack. The Panthers won their first NCAA tournament game since 2004 with a 5-0 opening round victory over Mercy in 2013, the same year in which Armas was named the NSCAA East Region Coach of the Year

His success with the women's soccer program would bring Armas back to the MLS when he was designated as an assistant coach for the New York Red Bulls in 2015, the same year in which the team won the Supporters' Shield. His hard work was noticed as he was promoted to head coach of the Red Bulls in 2018, when he led the team to yet another Supporters' Shield and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final. Armas would head abroad in 2021 when he was named an assistant coach for Premier League teams Manchester United (2021-22) and Leeds United (2023).

Armas returned to the States in 2024 when he was appointed as the head coach of the Colorado Rapids, making an immediate impact. In his debut season, Armas set a new club record with 50 points and 15 wins, tied for the most by a first-year Rapids head coach. The Rapids qualified for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, secured a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs and won the Rocky Mountain Cup. Armas was named a finalist for the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Award.