Alexi Lalas
American soccer icon known for his distinctive look, World Cup appearances, and decorated MLS career with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Alexi Lalas is an American former soccer player and executive who is currently an analyst for Fox Sports. He is best known for his participation with the United States national team in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where his distinctive long hair and beard made him a conspicuous player. After the World Cup, he became the first American in Italy's Serie A as a member of Padova. He later played in Major League Soccer for the New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Kansas City Wizards, and Los Angeles Galaxy, winning the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and MLS Cup with the Galaxy before retiring in 2003. Following his playing career, he served as general manager of the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls, and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006.
Quick Facts
- Notable distinction
- MLS All-Star (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)
Lore & Background
Lalas was born in Birmingham, Michigan to a Greek father and an American mother. He attended Cranbrook Kingswood School, where he was named Michigan High School Player of the Year in 1987 and captained the state champion hockey team. He played college soccer at Rutgers University, reaching the NCAA Final Four in 1989 and the National Championship Game in 1990, and was a first-team All-American in 1991. After college, he trained with former Arsenal player Bob McNab and had a trial with Arsenal in 1992, but was cut. He later earned 96 caps for the U.S. national team, scoring nine goals, and was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1995.
Reader's Guide
Lalas played as a center-back. His playing style was characterized by physicality and endurance. He was named an MLS All Star in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999, and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2002. He helped the Los Angeles Galaxy win the 2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, the 2001 U.S. Open Cup, the 2002 Supporters' Shield, and MLS Cup 2002.
Did You Know?
- He earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in music from Rutgers University in 2014, completing what he called a '26-year plan'.
- Lalas recorded the first assist in New England Revolution history in the club's first-ever match.
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