Randy Horton

Achievements:

• North American Soccer League MVP: Named Most Valuable Player during his professional football career.

• NASL Rookie of the Year (1971): Recognized as the top newcomer in the league.

• NASL All-Star Team: Selected for the All-Star team during his rookie season.

• Top 10 Goal Scorer: Maintained top 10 goal-scoring status for four consecutive years.

• Cup Match Captain: Became one of the youngest Cup Match captains at age 23 and led Somerset to victory in the mid-summer classic.

• Cricket All-Rounder: Known for his skills as a bowler and batsman, including notable performances in Cup Match.

• US Soccer Hall of Fame Nominee (2001): Recognized for his distinguished NASL career.

Biography:

Excelling in one sport is remarkable, but achieving greatness in two is extraordinary. Randy Horton did just that in both football and cricket. His professional football career spanned six years in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he reached the pinnacle as the league's MVP. In cricket, he earned a place among the elite, being one of only five Bermudians listed in the dictionary of World Cricketers.

Horton's sports journey was influenced by his family, particularly his grandfather, Warren Simmons, who captained both Bermuda and Somerset. Horton attributes his success to rigorous preparation and practice, which set him apart from others who might have had greater natural ability but lacked his dedication.

Horton was a key player for Somerset's dominant football team, which won the Triple Crown three years in a row from 1967 to 1970. He scored in his first game and quickly moved from midfield to the front line. After college in England, Horton declined trials with Worcestershire in cricket and Huddersfield Town in football due to the cold climate, but he accepted a contract with the New York Cosmos in 1971. He was named Rookie of the Year and made the All-Star team in his debut season.

In 1972, Horton led the Cosmos to a championship and was named MVP. He topped the NASL scoring charts and continued to impress with his football prowess, including a memorable hat trick in Somerset's 4-1 victory over PHC in the FA Cup final. Despite an offer from Queens Park Rangers, Horton chose to focus on his playing career in the NASL and his graduate studies. He remained a top goal scorer for the Cosmos until he was traded to the Washington Diplomats in 1975, where he played until Pele replaced him. He finished his career with the Harvard Bicentennials in 1976, ending his football days due to a calcium build-up in his thigh.

Horton's cricket career was equally impressive. He became one of the youngest Cup Match captains at 23 and eventually led Somerset to victory in the mid-summer classic. Known for his all-around abilities, he excelled as a bowler and batsman, with significant performances such as a record partnership with Campbell Simons and notable catches.

In 2001, Horton was nominated for the US Soccer Hall of Fame, receiving 20% of the vote. Although not elected, the nomination highlighted his distinguished career in the NASL, which was cut short by injury.

Legacy:

Randy Horton's legacy is one of versatility, dedication, and excellence. His achievements in both football and cricket have left an indelible mark on Bermuda's sporting history. As a professional footballer, he reached the highest echelons of the NASL, and as a cricketer, he earned a place among the world's elite. Horton's commitment to preparation and practice serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary success in multiple sports.

His contributions to Bermuda's sports legacy continue to be celebrated, ensuring his place among the island's greatest athletes.