Defender
Alexi Lalas
6' 3"
Explore the career of Alexi Lalas, one of the most iconic defenders in U.S. soccer history. From 96 caps and starring at the 1994 FIFA World Cup to breaking ground in Serie A and MLS, learn about his national team impact and legacy.
Caps: 96 | Goals: 9
Arguably the most recognizable man in USMNT history, Alexi Lalas has proven on the field that he deserves the popularity he receives off of it. A stalwart on the US back line for over five years, Lalas also became the first American to ever play in the storied Italian Serie A when he signed with Padova in 1994. He later became an MLS original, named to four All-Star teams, Best XI in 2002, and winning MLS Cup in 2002 with the LA Galaxy. After nearly 100 appearances with the full national side, Lalas secured his spot among the all-time American greats, winning election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2006. Since retiring as a player, Lalas worked as an MLS club executive before becoming a fulltime soccer broadcaster. In 2015, he joined FOX, where he is a regular on high profile soccer broadcasts including multiple World Cups.
Photo by J Brett Whitesell – ISIPhotos.com
Credit: J Brett Whitesell - ISIPhotos.comUSMNT Experience
2002
Appeared with the US National Team at the MLS All-Star game, a special edition of the game in a World Cup summer where the MLS squad played an MLS-based version of the USMNT. Lalas subbed on at halftime, with MLS winning 3-2 at RFK Stadium.
1998
Played in one Gold Cup group stage game, the 2-1 win over Costa Rica on Feb 7. Started the 1-0 semifinal win over Brazil on Feb 10 and the 1-0 loss to Mexico in the final on Feb 15. Started the Feb 21 friendly against the Netherlands, a 2-0 loss and the 2-0 loss to Belgium on Feb 25. Started the 2-2 draw with Paraguay on Nov 14. Subbed on in the 0-0 friendly draw with Scotland on May 30. Part of the World Cup squad, but did not play in the three group stage games with the USA exiting the tournament with a last-place finish in group F.
1997
The USA played an early group of friendlies to start the 1997 calendar, with Lalas starting all five: a 1-0 loss to Peru on Jan 17, a 2-0 loss to Mexico on Jan 19, a 4-1 loss to Denmark on Jan 22, a 2-1 loss at China on Jan 29, and a 1-1 draw with China on Feb 1. World Cup qualifying resumed in March, with Lalas starting all four games: a 0-0 draw at Jamaica on Mar 2, a 3-0 home win over Canada on Mar 16, a 3-2 loss at Costa Rica on Mar 23, and a 2-2 draw at Mexico on Apr 20. Started the Jun 4 friendly against Paraguay, a 0-0 draw. Started the Jun 17 friendly against Israel, a 2-1 win. Started the World Cup qualifier against El Salvador on Jun 29, a 1-1 draw. Returning to World Cup qualification, started the Nov 2 game at Mexico drawing 0-0 and started the Nov 9 game at Canada, a 3-0 win.
1996
Part of the Gold Cup squad, starting two of the group C games: the 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Jan 13 and the 2-0 win over El Salvador on Jan 16. Started the 1-0 loss to Brazil in the semifinals on Jan 18. Started the 3-0 win over Guatemala in the 3rd-place game on Jan 21. Named to the 1995 All-Copa America team. Started the May 26 friendly against Scotland, a 2-1 win and the Jun 6 friendly against Ireland, another 2-1 win. Started the Jun 12 friendly against Bolovia, losing 2-0 and the Jun 16 friendly against Mexico, a 2-2 draw. Played every minute of every match at the summer Olympics as one of the over-age players, finishing 3rd in group A and not advancing. Played in five out of the six World Cup qualifiers to close out the 1996 schedule: started against Guatemala in the 2-0 win on Nov 3 and against Trinidad and Tobago in the 2-0 win on Nov 10. Started at Trinidad and Tobago in the 1-0 win on Nov 24. Started the 2-1 loss at Costa Rica on Dec 1 and the 2-1 win over Costa Rica on Dec 14.
1995
Started the Mar 25 home friendly against Uruguay, drawing 2-2. Played a half against Nigeria on Jun 11, winning 3-2. Started in the 4-0 win over Mexico on Jun 18 and the 0-0 draw with Colombia on Jun 25. Part of the USA squad that made a run in the Copa America, starting all games. That included the group stage: a 2-1 win over Chile on Jul 8, a 1-0 loss to Bolivia on Jul 11, and a 3-0 win over Argentina on Jul 15. Started the quarterfinal against Mexico, advancing 4-1 on penalties. Started the semifinal against Brazil a 1-0 loss. Started the 3rd-place game against Colombia, a 4-1 loss. Started the Aug 16 friendly against Sweden, a 1-0 loss. Started the Oct 8 friendly against Saudi Arabia, a 4-3 win. Named 1995 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year.
1994
The USMNT continued to play friendlies in and out of the international windows, ultimately playing in 17 friendlies between January and the start of the World Cup. Lalas appeared in all but one of them, missing the 3-0 home win over Moldova on Apr 20. Lalas played in all four of the USA's World Cup games: the 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Jun 18, the 2-1 win over Colombia on Jun 22, and the 1-0 loss to Romania to close out the group stage. In the round of 16, he started the 1-0 los to Brazil on Jul 4. Following the World Cup, the USMNT continued to play friendlies, with Lalas only appearing in the Sep 7 game at England, a 2-0 loss.
1993
Subbed on in the Jan 30 home game against Denmark, drawing 2-2. Played in both March friendlies, starting the 2-2 draw at El Salvador on Mar 23 and the 4-1 loss at Honduras on Mar 25. Started the 2-0 loss at Saudi Arabia on Apr 9. Started the 2-1 home loss to Colombia on May 8, subbing on in the 0-0 home draw with Bolivia on May 23 and the 0-0 home draw with Peru on May 26. Subbed on in the Jun 9 friendly against England, 1 2-0 win. Subbed on in the Jun 13 home friendly against Germany, a 4-3 loss. Started all of the Copa America group stage games, the 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Jun 16, the 2-0 loss to Ecuador on Jun 19, and the 3-3 draw with Venezuela on Jun 22. Played in all three Gold Cup group stage games: subbed on in the 1-0 win over Jamaica on Jul 10 and started the 2-1 win over Panama on Jul 14 and the 1-0 win over Honduras on Jul 17. Started the semifinal against Costa Rica, a 1-0 win after extra time. Started the 4-0 final loss to Mexico on Jul 25. The USMNT spent the run-up to the following summer's World Cup playing as many friendlies as possible, with most of the squad signed to contracts with the US Soccer Federation and not playing for clubs. Lalas played in eight out of the nine friendlies over the remainder of 1993.
1992
Played in the USA's 2-2 draw with Poland at the summer Olympics despite suffering a broken foot one week prior to the start of the games.
1991
Debuted for the USMNT in the 2-2 home draw with Mexico on Mar 12. Started his second consecutive game on Mar 16, a 2-0 home win over Canada.
Professional Experience
2004
Became the first former MLS player to be named General Manager of a team with his appointment as San Jose Earthquakes general manager. Would eventually serve as GM of two other MLS clubs, the MetroStars who rebranded as the Red Bulls during his tenure from 2005-06 and the LA Galaxy from 2006-08.
2003
Played in 22 games with one goal in his final season in pro soccer. The Galaxy finished 4th in the West, exiting the playoffs in the quarterfinals.
2002
Played in 26 games for the Galaxy, scoring four goals. The Galaxy finished 1st in the West and 1st overall, winning MLS Cup. Runners-up in the US Open Cup.
2001
Returned to pro soccer and signed with the LA Galaxy on Jan 16, playing in 11 games and scoring twice. The Galaxy finished 1st in the West and advanced to MLS Cup. Won the US Open Cup. Won the Confederations Cup.
1999
Joined the Kansas City Wizards, playing in 30 games and scoring four goals. Finished 6th and missed the playoffs. Made the All-Star team. Announced his retirement on Oct 10.
1998
Moved to the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, playing in 25 games and scoring twice. The MetroStars finished 3rd in the east and exited the playoffs in the quarterfinals. Made the All-Star team.
1997
Played in 30 games and scored two goals with the Revolution, finishing 4th in the East and exiting the playoffs in the quarterfinals. Loaned to Emelec of the Ecuador first division, where he played in 10 games.
1996
A member of the New England Revolution for the first season of Major League Soccer. Played in 25 games scoring once and named an All-Star. The Revolution did not make the playoffs, finishing 5th in the East and 9th overall.
1995-96
Already signing with MLS, Lalas played part of a second season with Padova, appearing in ten games.
1994-95
Made his club debut with Padova of the Italian Serie A on July 27, 1994. Played in 33 games, scoring three goals.
Youth and College
Played his high school soccer for Cranbook Kingswood in Michigan. Member of Rutgers playing in the College Cup final four in his junior year and final in his senior year. A Hermann and MAC Trophy winner with Rutgers in 1991.
