Garber presents Gulati with Commissioner's Award
U.S. Soccer Federation President honored at annual Gala Celebration
Gulati, a native of Allahabad, India, has played a role in the development of U.S. Soccer since the early 1980s and has been intimately involved in the rise to prominence of the U.S. national teams. He served as U.S. Soccer's executive vice president from 2000 to 2006 before stepping into his role as president in 2006.
"I wanted it to be someone who has committed their entire life to the game. Someone who remembered a time with no soccer stadiums, no professional league -- men's or women's. Who dreamed that maybe the U.S. men would qualify for the World Cup. Someone who played and coached the game ... who served as a volunteer, an administrator and a soccer executive," Garber said.
"Someone who at one time, stood in the shoes of nearly every person in this room and who represents the game with loyalty -- and honor -- and with tireless personal and professional commitment. Someone who believes in the passion that exists in the heart of every player and fan -- in the power of the sport to make a difference -- and the promise of what the sport still holds for our country and the potential for us to truly become a soccer nation."
Gulati is also in his seventh year as the president of Kraft Soccer, the operating group of the New England Revolution, after holding the position of managing director for three years. Gulati has more than 30 years of experience at all levels of soccer in the United States and has helped the sport rise to new heights.
"It's fair to say he's a friend to most of the people in this room and respected by all of us in the game," Garber said.
Following is the list of recipients of the MLS Commissioner's Award since 1997:
2009: Sunil Gulati
2008: Diego Gutierrez
2007: Cobi Jones
2006: Chuck Blazer
2005: RadioShack MLS All-Time Best XI
2004: Lamar Hunt
2003: Ivan Gazidis
2002: Tab Ramos
2001: New York City Police and Fire Departments
2000: MLS Supporters Clubs
1999: Alexi Lalas
1998: Mark Abbott
1997: Lynne Meterparel
