If I were Alexi Lalas, I would definately look to MLS for some type of Front Office position, as he hints in LA Times article. In fact, I would go beyond that and explore any options with the US Federation. Lalas is a pioneer and the greatest living American Soccer Icon. He also happens to posess an icredible rapport with fans all around the league. I have been to so many games and have yet to see any player bond with fans the way Lalas does. When He came to MLS, unfair expectations were placed on him and his 94 teammates to support the league. In spite of this, they all performed very well and are still more entertaining than their modern day counterparts. It must have been especially difficult for a player like Lalas to make the expected impact as a defender where all your mistakes are scrutinized. I think that's what drove him to retire in 2000. He is still very well known and respected throughout the soccer community and his personality combined with an outspoken nature have been a major plus for our soccer nation. Lalas is also still a damn good player who can head the ball with the best of them and bring poise + experience to the field. Let's not forget that Lalas played in Serie A. You don't get to do that because you're cool... He got the major shaft from LA who sold him out for Korean fans. How Ironic. The Front Office of any club or the US Federation should be thrilled to have Lalas in any position! Let's face it, Lalas is still the most charismatic and well known player that we have ever had in this country. If Dan Marino can GM the Dolphins and Isaiah Thomas can head the Knicks...surely Alexi Lalas can and should head an MLS team at minimum. Last edited by carsway on 13 Jan 2004 at 12:00 AM
I think he should play for 2-3 more years in MLS than retire. Don't pull a Wynalda and play in A-League. Than go work as a commentator. He has charisma. The league doesn't need that - it needs guys who love the sport, know the sport and work hard and smart. Basically an entire overhaul of the morons who work there now. Alexi should go work for ESPN or FSW. Same said for Ray Hudson.
I too think Alexi could still play, most likely as a sub. I don't think Wynalda had too many choices other than the A-League. I doubt his memories from that experience are anything but painful.
Don't get me wrong, I think Lalas can still play for sure! I also agree that to see him on an A-League team would be a blow to the sport in general. What I am saying is that if he doesn't play he should be used in a capacity that allows him to use his trajectory as an international figure in the most positive way. As much as I love Lalas in the booth, I think he would be much more valuable as a leader in USA Soccer or MLS.
You guys are right. It would be horrible for the second division to get a player who still has ability left and can bring people in to see games that don't draw big crowds. I think soccer in America would take a huge hit if the second division had more people at their games because a nationally-recognizable player joined the league. And the players in the A League certainly don't need to test themselves against someone who started all of last season in MLS.
I was diapointed when galaxy started Bo over Lalas. I think both are good players. But I think Lalas should be starting for the Galaxy with Bo
That wasn't the point. I think Lalas is still capable of playing in MLS and I'd imagine that is the level he'd prefer to play at here if he chooses to still play. If that option is not available and he still wants to play, I think it'd be great if he played in the A-League. I think it's great that many guys who have been salary cap/age victims the last few years are willing to continue their careers at that level (Chronopolous, Washington).
Yours wasn't the post that pissed me off. You and I are of a like mind. Soccer will benefit no matter what Alexi Lalas does as long as he stays in the sport.
I don't agree. That is not forward progress for the athlete. That is not akin to the seniors tour. That would be like Karl Malone going to the CBA because he wants to play a few more years after the Lakers. Or Dan Marino deciding to finish in the CFL. While it may be great for the A league team to draw more fans, it detracts from the overall carreer of the player and doesn't do absoluely anything to promote soccer in the big picture. It's just not the way you want to see big players go out. It would be much more valuable to the league or to US soccer to have Lalas in a position where he can make a difference off the field. Like a Dan Marino or Larry Bird or Isaiah Thomas. Going to play in the A-League is absolutely the wrong move. Besides, Lalas is still more than capable of playing in MLS. If this post were about Chronopolus or Washington, both players that I happen to like, then I would say that the A League would be appropriate. In this case I think we are discussing a player of much more importance the the US as a player and international ambassador for the sport.
Well he already is an honorary member of the Thunderheads. And just think of what a yong player like Dustin Branan could learn playing along side Alexi.
I think the idea of Lalas in the A-League is a good one. He would bring exposure to any team he played on. He would bring a wealth of experience to younger players and he could, in essence, start a coaching career there. How cool would it be to see Alexi coaching an A-League, D3 or PDL team in 3-5 years' time. This is what American soccer needs.
Republic of Texas agrees with you all. Alexis is the epitome of what U.S. soccer is all about. His eloquence, wit, wisdom and experience make him a ideal candidate for fron office. Garber should even groom him as his potential successor. What about "Commissioner Lalas"?
finally, someone who sees things clearly! Lalas is the obvious choice to head anything that relates to soccer in this country.
I agree. Having him as an announcer would be the best use of his talents for the promotion of the league. He has the potential to become soccer's answer to Madden or Vitale. Even though he reminds me of Bill Walton.