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Alexi Lalas to Sing National Anthem at San Diego Spirit Match

June 20, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Spirit will have a very special guest this Sunday, June 23, for its match against the first-place Philadelphia Charge as U.S. Soccer icon Alexi Lalas will sing the national anthem. The match, which is Channel 4 San Diego Mini San D. Panda Mascot Doll Night, kicks off at 5 p.m. PT with Lalas' rendition of the anthem set for approximately 4:57 p.m. PT.

The most globally famous U.S. men's soccer player in history, Lalas earned 98 caps for the U.S. National Team, was a starter on the 1994 World Cup Team, a member of the 1998 World Cup Team and was the first and only American player ever to play in the top professional league in the world, Italy's Serie A, after signing with Padova in 1994. Lalas also played in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics for the USA.

The gregarious Lalas, also known as "Big Red" for his 6-foot-3 frame and mound of curly locks (now shorn), has taken time off from his busy schedule as captain of the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS to join the Spirit festivities and sing the anthem.

One of his most famous moment's came in 1993 when he scored the clinching goal in the USA's historic 2-0 upset over England at the U.S. Cup '93, helping launch what has become the most positive era of growth for men's soccer in history. An All-American at Rutgers in New Jersey, Lalas was the consensus national player of the year as a senior, winning both the Hermann Trophy and the Missouri Athletic Club award in 1991.

But as successful as he has been on the field, Lalas has added just as much, if not more, off the field, through his wit, intelligence, humor and passion for the game as an ambassador of American soccer throughout the United States and the world.

He served on the Board of Directors for the 1999 Women's World Cup, is a member of the Advisory Board of Abdul Conteh Children's Fund (ACCF) to help provide humanitarian relief for the people of Sierra Leone and sits on the Board of Advisors for the U.S Soccer Federations Grants Committee and the Athletes Counsel. In 2001, he set up "Lalas Land" at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., during the LA Galaxy season, providing tickets to underprivileged organizations as a community outreach program.

But as talented as he is on the field, Lalas is also gifted with a guitar in his hands. A gifted guitarist and singer, he has produced four CDs as a solo artist and with his band Nectar Drop. Lalas toured and opened eight shows for Hootie and the Blowfish's '98 European Tour and has sung the national anthem at numerous sporting events over the last few years.

The first 2,000 fans entering the gates will receive a free mini San D. Panda mascot doll, courtesy of Channel 4 San Diego. The gates and Fun Zone open at 3:30 p.m.

The Spirit plays their home matches at the renovated 7,035-seat Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego. For more ticket information, please contact the Spirit ticket office at 1-877-4SOCCER (1-877-476-2237) or 619-692-9872, or visit the club's website at www.sandiegospirit.com.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from June 20, 2002


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