Alexi Lalas

Olympic Speaker Alexi Lalas is arguably one of the most recognizable men in USMNT history from his long fiery red hair and matching goatee to his recognition as the first American to ever play in the Italian Serie A. Few can say that they have accomplished as much in their career as Alexi Lalas, a retired professional soccer player.

Although he did not learn to play soccer until he was eleven years of age, due to his strong work ethic and natural talent he was able to captain and win with the state of Michigan high school championship team and win the high school player of the year award.  He also played hockey for his school, leading them to the state championship.

Olympics Speaker Alexi Lalas attended Rutgers University where he once again captained a championship team and won the Herman trophy which is awarded to the all around best collegiate soccer player in the united states. He was rated to be drafted by the Ontario Hockey League however he decided to pursue a career in soccer instead. After college Alexi Lalas spent a stint of time training with Arsenal FC before he moved to Italy to play for Padova. After being drafted by the MLS Alexi Lalas moved back to the United States of America. He first played for the New England Revolution before being traded to the Metrostars in New York, now called the New York Red Bulls. From there he moved on to the Kansas City Wizards where he retired, but the thrill of playing soccer was too great for him to live without so he came out of retirement to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy before permanently retiring. In 1995, Alexi was awarded U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and MLS Best XI in 2002.

Since then he has been the general manager of various MLS teams including the San Jose Earthquakes, the New York Red Bulls, and the Los Angeles Galaxy. During his playing years he also played for various National Teams including two USA FIFA teams and two USA Olympic teams. In 2006, Alexi was announced as a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame class of 2006. Most recently Alexi left ESPN as a soccer analyst to join Fox Sports signing a multi-year offer.