(01-14-08)
FARMINGTON, Conn. – University of New Haven alum Roberto Taylor is one of eight people who will be inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame this year, the 10th anniversary class of enshrinees.
The eight will be honored at the 10th annual CSHOF Induction Dinner to be held at the Farmington Marriott on Jan. 26. There is a social hour at 5:30 p.m, followed by the dinner at 6:30. Tickets are $40 with a table for 10 for $400 and can be purchased by calling the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame at 860-676-1161.
Roberto J. Taylor, from Wallingford, Conn., was inducted into the University of New Haven Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984 after a standout career for the Chargers from 1973-75. He quickly earned a reputation for being a "jack of all trades" because he played every position on the field with the exception of goalkeeper.
In his first year at UNH, Taylor helped the team earn an ECAC playoff spot, leading the team in scoring with 33 points. For his effort, he earned All-New England honors, accolades he would also receive as a senior.
Taylor made contributions each and every game during his two-year stay, scoring 25 goals in 26 games. He won the respect of his teammates as illustrated by his being named the team captain and most valuable player in 1974. Taylor later received the school's Athlete of the Year award for his senior-year efforts.
Roberto joined the Connecticut Yankees of the American Soccer League and became the 1975 Rookie of the Year, a league All-Star and earned the team's MVP. That same year he finished second in the ASL in scoring with 14 tallies and four assists from the midfield.
Taylor played for the Hartford Bicentennials of the North American Soccer League in 1976, where, as a defender, he marked such soccer legends at Pele.
Unfortunately, injuries from an automobile accident in 1977 limited his ability to continue playing competitive soccer.
Prior to his arrival at UNH, Taylor played for the Guatemala Junior National Team in 1966 and club teams Tipografia Nacional and Cementos Novello (1967-1969). He relocated to New Haven, Conn. in 1970 and attended South Central Community College (1971-1972) before transferring to UNH for the 1973 season.
