USA
Lalas, Overbeck Elected to Hall of Fame
By Shane Killian
May 6, 2006
Former national team members Alexi Lalas and Carla Overbeck are the latest members of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Other than their position on the field, the two players could have not have been more different.
Lalas, with his trademark red hair and goatee, was the most recognizable U.S. men's player in the 90s. Although not the most talented U.S. player, the opinionated, guitar playing, 6-3 center back was the face of the U.S. team both at home and abroad.
Lalas played 96 times for the national team and was part of the 1994 and 1998 U.S. World Cup teams. After a successful 1994 World Cup, Lalas became the first U.S. player to play in the Italian Serie A when he signed with Padova. Lalas also won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles in 2002.
Overbeck, quite but tenacious, was the leader of the most successful women's soccer team in history. A real soccer mom, Overbeck juggled motherhood and athletics, often bringing her young son to practice. She liked to keep a low profile and deflected attention to her teammates.
Overbeck played 168 times for the U.S. and won World Cups in 1991 and 1999. In 1999, she captained possibly the best women's team in history and, in the memorable final at the Rose Bowl, scored the team's first penalty shot.
Lalas and Overbeck will be inducted on August 28 as part of the annual Induction Weekend at the Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y.