Eric Wynalda

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. He 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, of Dutch ancestry, grew up in Westlake Village, California. He attended Westlake High School and was a three time All State selection. He attended San Diego State University from 1987 to 1989, scoring 34 goals and assisting on 25 others. He played for the San Diego Nomads in 1988 and 1989.

He played for the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks, then for 1. FC Saarbrücken in the Bundesliga, then for VfL Bochum. He returned to the US in 1996, playing for the San Jose Clash, Club León (Mexico), New England Revolution, Chicago Fire, and Charleston Battery. He earned his first cap with the US national team on February 2, 1990, and played in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups.

He retired from the national team in 2000 as its all-time leading scorer with 34 goals in 106 appearances. He was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year for 1996, Honda U.S. Player of the Decade for the 1990s, and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004.

Did You Know?

• Wynalda scored the first goal in MLS history on April 6, 1996.
• He was the first American-born player to play for a top level German club.