MLS
Lalas Leaves New York to Run L.A. Galaxy
By Russell Shiring
April 17, 2006
Alexi Lalas has resigned as President and General Manager of the New York Red Bulls to take the same position with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
"We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring in one of soccer's brightest executives to the Los Angeles Galaxy," said AEG Sports President Shawn Hunter. "As we move into MLS' eleventh season, Alexi will be able to provide us with the unique knowledge and experience that comes from being both a player and administrator during the League's first decade."
Lalas, 35, will have big shoes to fill taking over for Doug Hamilton who died suddenly in March. Hamilton was named MLS Executive of the Year three times during his time in the league.
"This is an incredible opportunity to return to a team that I know and love," said Lalas. "Doug Hamilton established a standard of excellence for this club, on and off the field, and it is our responsibility to continue to live up to that standard."
Lalas has served in a number of management positions for AEG, owner of the Galaxy, since he retired as a player in 2004. He was first named President and General Manager of AEG's San Jose Earthquakes and then President and General Manager of the MetroStars in June 2005. In March, AEG sold the MetroStars to Red Bull.
"While we recognize that it is an incredible task to replace the contributions and insight that Doug Hamilton brought to AEG and the Galaxy," said Hunter. "Alexi's leadership will be invaluable to the team and our organization."
Once the MetroStars were sold to Red Bull, Lalas' days with the organization seemed to be numbered. Insiders speculated that Red Bull would want to bring in their own person manage the team, placing Lalas' job in jeopardy.
"This is a bittersweet moment for me," said Lalas. "While I'm excited about the opportunity to return to the L.A. Galaxy, I'm also sad to be leaving this team and this area after such a short period of time. I wish nothing but the best for this organization, on and off the field, and I firmly believe that with Red Bull's involvement, the sky is the limit."
It should be interesting to see what Lalas does with Galaxy head coach Steve Sampson. Sampson is coming off a tremendous year with the Galaxy but has had his differences with Lalas and was reportedly against his appointment.
Sampson, who coached the 1998 U.S. World Cup Team, kept Lalas on the bench for the entire tournament. Lalas had been a big contributor during qualifying but didn't get an opportunity in France. Lalas was one of many veteran players who criticized Sampson after the team finished dead last in the tournament.
Lalas has long been one of the leading figures and most familiar faces in United States soccer. An Olympian in 1992 and 1996, Lalas was a member of the United States' 1994 and 1998 World Cup teams and in 1995 he was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. Lalas became the only American player ever to play in Italy's Serie A, after signing with Padova in 1994.
In MLS, Lalas made five all-star appearances during his seven-year career and earning MLS Best XI honors in 2002. After briefly retiring, he returned to MLS in 2001 and appeared in 59 games for the Galaxy over the next three years, capturing three championship titles.