Alexi Lalas

Who is Alexi Lalas?

Panayotis Alexander "Alexi" Lalas is a retired American soccer player who played mostly as a defender. Lalas is best known for his participation with the United States national team in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, being considered the standout player of the team through his distinctive appearance, bearing long beard and hair. After the World Cup, Lalas went on to become the first American in Italy's Serie A as a member of Calcio Padova, Lalas would later return to the United States in 1996 to take part in the newly formed Major League Soccer, being a member of New England Revolution. While also joining Club Sport Emelec of Ecuador, and the MLS squads MetroStars and Kansas City Wizards, Lalas' most successful club stretch was with Los Angeles Galaxy, with whom he won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup before retiring in 2002. Lalas' playing style was noted for physical ability and endurance.

Following his playing career, Lalas served as President and General Manager of the San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls and Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. He was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006.