PLAYER OVERVIEW: Alexi Lalas is considered one of the most recognizable faces in American soccer – or should I say he had one of the most recognizable goateed faces in American soccer.  Lalas played defender for the United States in all four matches of the epic 1994 FIFA World Cup.  Lalas also was a member of 1998 U.S. team, but he never played a minute in regulation. 

Alexi was also the first modern-day American player to break into Serie A.

AFTER THE GAME: After Lalas retired from the game, he embarked on one of the worst careers as a General Manager in soccer history, eventually being fired by the LA Galaxy last season.  Today, Alexi is known for his broadcasting career.  He works as a soccer analyst for ESPN and has been the studio analyst during the Confederations Cup.  Lalas originally broke into broadcasting during his first sabbatical from soccer in 2000. He’s not bad either.

DID YOU KNOW?: Did you know that Alexi Lalas is also a tour-traveling musician?  That’s right, Alexi plays the guitar and sings as well.  In 1998, the defender’s band, the Gypsies, opened for Hootie and the Blowfish on an eight show tour going through Europe.  The Gypsies with Lalas went on to make two albums: Woodland and Jet Lag.  Later Lalas would create his own solo debut album, which was accurately named Ginger.  His most well known song on the album (which is basically unknown) was called Goodnight Moon, just like the children’s book.

2010 PROPOSAL: Although Alexi’s soccer playing days are over, the man needs to grow back the ginger goatee for the sake of the U.S. squad.  Think about it.  One of America’s best World Cup showings was when Alexi had the goat going in full force.  But, in the last few years, we have not seen as much of the legendary crimson goatee and our World Cup results have declined a little bit in that time span.  The answer to this dilemma is simple. 

For the U.S. to have a chance in 2010, Alexi must grow back the goatee and give the U.S. squad a little more firepower.

Don’t do it for me Alexi, do it for your country and gingers worldwide.