Eric Wynalda

American soccer pioneer and all-time USMNT leading scorer until 2007.

Eric Boswell Wynalda (born June 9, 1969) is an American soccer coach, television commentator, and former player. He was formerly an analyst and color commentator for soccer coverage on Fox Sports 1 and ESPN. Previously, he served as head coach and technical director of Las Vegas Lights FC in the USL Championship and he is the host of WTF: Wynalda Talks Football on SiriusXM FC.

Quick Facts

Full name: Eric Boswell Wynalda
Born: 9 June 1969
Birthplace: Fullerton, California, United States
Position: Forward

Lore & Background

Wynalda was one of the first Americans to play professionally in Europe before returning to his home country in 1996 to play in Major League Soccer and scoring the first goal in the league's history. Until 2008, he was the all-time leading goal scorer for the United States national team. Wynalda was described as a 'shifty, dynamic player off the dribble with a heavy shot.' He was also known for his fiery play, and earned the nickname, 'Eric the Red Card.' He was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004.

Reader's Guide

Wynalda attended San Diego State University from 1987 to 1989 where he played for the Aztecs men's soccer team, scoring 34 goals and assisting on 25 others during his three seasons. His freshman year, SDSU went to the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship game where it lost to the Bruce Murray-led Clemson Tigers. While at SDSU, he also played two seasons with the local semi-pro San Diego Nomads of the Western Soccer Alliance. In 1988, he played a single game and in 1989, he played five games with the Nomads.

Did You Know?

Wynalda scored the first goal in MLS history on April 6, 1996, as the San Jose Clash beat D.C. United 1–0.
He was the all-time leading goal scorer for the United States national team until 2007, when Landon Donovan tied the record, and lost it in 2008.
He was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year for 1996.