Goalkeeper
Tony Meola
6' 1"
Biography of retired USMNT soccer player Tony Meola who was the starting goalkeeper in the 1990 and 94 World Cups.
Caps: 100 | Shutouts: 32
For the better part of the 1990’s, Tony Meola was the starting goalkeeper and one of the best-known faces of the USMNT. His ability to marshal his defenders and see the opposition’s attack as it develops has made him one of our most consistent keepers ever, and it’s no surprise that he was the only American to be named a FIFA World All-Star for the match against the 2002 World Cup hosts.
An iron man at the club level, Meola didn’t miss a game from the start of the league in 1996 until the end of the 1998 season. His play in the 1994 World Cup was a big reason for the US advancement to the second round. After not making the US team that played in the 1998 World Cup, Meola’s stellar play at the club level for the Kansas City Wizards in 1999 when he was the MLS Most Valuable Player led him back into the National Team. His college coach at the University of Virginia, Bruce Arena, selected him as one of the three goalkeepers he brought to the 2002 World Cup.
In 2006 he won his final and 100th cap for the US. Meola is now playing indoor soccer in the MISL with the New Jersey Ironmen. In 2012, he was elected as a first ballot inductee to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. After working as a pundit and hosting a radio show, Meola became the head coach of the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada for the 2016 season. He now hosts FC Counter Attack on SiriusXM.
Photo by J Brett Whitesell – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
2006
Earned his 100th cap on April 11 in a 1-1 draw with Jamaica in Cary, NC.
2002
Earned shutout against rival Mexico on April 3 in Denver and finished shutout of Jamaica after coming for Kasey Keller in the second half against Jamaica on May 16. Back-up goalkeeper at the Gold Cup, he did not see any time as Keller played all five matches. Named as alternate to 2002 World Cup squad.
2001
Played in three friendlies.
2000
Made four appearances, including a shutout win over Barbados in World Cup qualifying.
1999
After over four years away from the squad, he returned to the national team with a fine run of form for Bruce Arena's side, including a shutout win against Germany.
1994
Played every game in his second World Cup, helping the US reach the round of 16.
1993
Started in goal when the US shocked England in the US Cup.
1990
Played every minute for the US in the 1990 World Cup.
1988
Made his international debut while still in college against Ecuador on June 10.
Professional Experience
2006
Went 2-9-9 with five shutouts and a GAA of 1.45.
2005
Picked up off waivers by New York in late June. Went 6-5-4 with two shutouts to lead the MetroStars into the playoffs.
2004
Played the first part of the season for Wizards before facing injury just before the playoffs. 21 games, seven shutouts and a GAA of 1.05. Released by team at the end of the year then underwent achilles tendon surgery at the end of the year.
2003
Played 30 games for the Wizards, posting 11 wins and a 1.42 goals against average.
2002
Posted a 6-5-5 record during the regular season, missing nearly two months at the 2002 World Cup. Set MLS record with two penalty kick saves against DC United in August. 17 games, three shutouts, GAA of 1.24.
2001
Only played in 17 games due to injury, but still managed four shutouts and a 1.64 goals-against average.
2000
Returned from injury with one of the greatest single season performances in MLS history. He had a 681-minute shutout streak and started 31 games with 16 shutouts. Held the Chicago Fire scoreless to win the MLS Cup and was named league MVP. GAA was 0.92 in the regular season, 0.55 in the seven playoff games.
1999
Traded to Kansas City on January 28. Played only nine games due to a knee injury. GAA was 1.18.
1998
Led MLS in saves and shots faced while earning Soccer America Goalkeeper of the Year honors, despite a GAA of 2.00 in 31 games with New York.
1997
Played 30 games, with a 1.61 GAA.
1996
Allocated to the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now RB New York) for the first season of Major League Soccer. He finished the season with nine shutouts, earning fourteen wins while serving as team captain. GAA was 1.31 in the regular season, 1.67 in the playoffs.
1995
Was a member of USISL champions Long Island Rough Riders.
1991
Played for the American Professional Soccer League's Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
1990
Played in England with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Youth and College
Played for the University of Virginia from 1988-89.
