Lalas to Fire? Not trying to start a rumor, just an idea. Pros: Mentor to young defenders. Added backline big-game experience and second red headed target on corners. PR - Joe Chicago Six Pack knows who Alexi Lalas is. Cons: $$$$$ Takes him out of the announcing booth. Given the list of clubs he's been with, is he a good locker room guy? Questions: Can he be signed as a discovery player? Does he even want to play anymore? Thoughts: Given his less than ceremonious release, you'd think he'd want a swan song. It seems like a really good fit. Given the Fire's needs this summer.
Lalas to the Fire I am kind of warming to the idea if the Zielinski thing falls through. All things I have read is he is a great lockerroom guy. Pretty laid back. His experience would be an asset to the young centerbacks. Wasn't he signed by LA as a discovery? Still, if he is out of contract, anyone can pick him up, no?
I've mentioned it before, but if there aren't other options and he isn't expensive, I wouldn't be against this...necessarily.
Lalas to the Fire?! Sure!That's a great idea! Let's get him measured up for a Sparky suit straight away!
I think I was the first to bring up this idea in another thread, primarly because he could be had on the cheap AND because I think 2002 might have been his best year as a player. LA thanks him by bringing in Bo Hung for which All other fans in the league can be eternally greatful. I think he would be a good clubhouse guy, and could be valuable in the middle, particularly against teams with goalscorers who aren't -- how shall we say -- fleet of foot. *cough* Kries *cough* Just a thought.
As long as Jim Curtin decides to grow a dorky King Tut beard, I'm all for this. Also, Lalas should wear number 5 1/2.
Isn't he like 68 years old? I have to admit that I did not see alot of him when he came back (except for his dagger against us in Open Cup play) but, is he really capable of playing anymore?
Why does he have to play? The biggest pro's that've been said so far are things like 'he'd be a good mentor for the younger players', and 'he's good in the locker room', but not too much has been said about his playing skills. So why not make him an assistant coach. correct me if i'm wrong, but we still haven't filled tommy soehn's position yet, and i'm sure alexi probably has alot more knowledge about the game then tommy ever did (i liked soehn, too, but come on, while tom was playing in the A-league, alexi was over in the Serie A).
i liked soehn, too, but come on, while tom was playing in the A-league, alexi was over in the Serie A I see Padova listed as Lalas' Italian side prior to joining MLS - they're not Serie A (or B or C). Did he play for another club in Italy?
Many Galax fans have said that 2002 was one of his best years ever, and that the defense went downhill when Bo started playing instead.
Fine with me... Veteran to groom the young defenders. Please grow the huge red fro back....1994 WC...first time I saw a soccer match...i loved it. What European clubs did he play for? Just curious.
Re: Fine with me... I actually knew a guy in college (Colo College) named Catfish. I know Lalas played for Padova, Italy. At the time they were Serie A. Now they're in C.
I would prefer that we get someone who can play for several years to come, not just one. I don't see Lalas giving us more than one year.
Well it looks like Lalas is going to be the Quakes new GM. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/7806386.htm
Lalas does not resign with Galaxy... He's the new Quakes GM. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/7806386.htm
MLS and AEG must think we are stupid from the MLS press release: “There is no one as qualified to help us take the sport and franchise to the next level as Alexi,” AND WHY THEY THINK THAT IS TRUE IS BECAUSE: “He’s been a national team star, the first true American-born star in the MLS and now has the opportunity to make history as he demonstrates the integration of American soccer’s impact on the sport by serving as the first MLS player to be named a club President.” so they are saying that he is qualified because 1) he has been on the national team 2) first true american born star (in their oppinion) ok, so how does that qualify him to lead/manage the operations/business/marketing/personel of the earthquakes? i know he went to rutgets? but i dont even know what he studied there. im sure he is a great person, but i must question his qualifications for the job. oh, well im assuming it had to do more with who HE knew than WHAT he knew. still, no hard feelings, and i hope that he does an outstanding job. -iowa007