2022 CLAY BERLING MEDIA CAREER OF EXCELLENCE
JP Dellacamera
The award was established in 2020 to provide an opportunity for the association to recognize a media professional for a distinguished career covering the events and issues of soccer in the United States . It is named for Clay Berling , the founder and publisher of Soccer America . Berling is the only person from media to have been named a recipient of the United Soccer Coaches prestigious Honor Award in 1996 .
“ It is with great admiration that we recognize JP Dellacamera with our third annual Media Career of Excellence Award ,” said Ashlee Fontes-Comber , United Soccer Coaches President . “ On behalf of our association , we extend our gratitude to JP and his commitment to the game through his thoughtful commentary and dynamic play-by-play .”
Dellacamera began his legendary broadcasting career in 1978 calling North American Soccer League matches . More than 44 years later , Dellacamera remains a leading play-by-play voice in the sport and the 2022 FIFA World Cup will mark his 10th consecutive World Cup in the broadcast booth for television or radio audiences , in addition to six Women ’ s World Cup tournaments and three Olympic Games .
The only person in the sport to cover matches for all four major U . S . networks with broadcast positions for ABC , CBS , FOX and NBC , Dellacamera ’ s expert commentary has accompanied many of the most memorable moments in the modern era of American soccer . He famously called the “ Shot Heard Round the World ” in 1989 as Paul Caligiuri ’ s goal helped the U . S . Men ’ s National Team qualify for its first World Cup in 40 years . Ten years later , Dellacamera was behind the microphone for the 1999 FIFA Women ’ s World Cup final as Brandi Chastain converted the decisive penalty kick to defeat China .
In addition to the highest levels of international soccer , domestically Dellacamera has continued to commentate on professional leagues – including the top levels of men ’ s and women ’ s soccer as well as indoor and outdoor teams – for more than four decades . The iconic voice of the Philadelphia Union for the last 13 seasons , Dellacamera has worked Major League Soccer matches since the inaugural MLS campaign in 1996 .
Widely respected and renowned within the media industry , Dellacamera was previously named a United Soccer Coaches Honorary All-American in 2009 and received the association ’ s Presidential Recognition Award at the 2018 United Soccer Coaches Convention . Dellacamera was also recognized by U . S . Soccer with the Colin Jose Media Award in 2018 at the National Soccer Hall of Fame and currently serves as the President of Communications / Media for the Major Arena Soccer League .
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