Talking futbol with Alexi Lalas

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking with former American soccer star and current ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas.

I say “privilege,” because growing up as a soccer player and fan in the area myself, it was pretty cool to talk with the Birmingham native and Cranbrook graduate.

But the experience was made all the more memorable thanks to Lalas talking to me at length about a wide range of soccer topics — something, unfortunately, uncommon these days when dealing with any level of celebrity.

We spoke so much that some of his comments didn’t even make it to the published story, so I’ve included them here, along with some additional stuff from a conversation I had with Lalas’ high school coach at Cranbrook — Charles T. Shaw.

With the FIFA 2010 World Cup well under way, and Lalas earning his pay with ESPN in South Africa, I thought this nugget was appropriate.

I asked him about attempting to appear unbiased as an analyst when talking about the U.S. squad.

He responded that he had “no problem saying ‘we.’”

“I think it’s important for people to know — especially given my background — it is my team, but I have to be objective. When they play well, I point it out. When they don’t, I can criticize.”

Speaking of criticism for the U.S. team, Lalas promised there would be plenty if it doesn’t advance past the group stage, thanks to the team’s recent international success.

“What’s happened on and off the field as far as progress, it’s created higher expectations — that’s a good thing,” he said. “If the U.S. doesn’t advance, it’ll be viewed as not only disappointing, but a failure. But again, that’s a good thing.”

Lalas is also not afraid to stand up for his old school and neighborhood, as well.

While he doesn’t have a lot of family in the area anymore, he gets back to Cranbrook and metro Detroit when he can, and is thankful for his time growing up here.

“I spent some incredible years there,” Lalas said about the area and school. “Even though soccer took me far and wide, the fact is that is where I started playing soccer and learned to play soccer. It’s also where I got an education, which I feel has served me so well as I’ve gone on in life. I can’t say enough about how important it was the time I spent in Cranbrook and the area.”

He was also quick to stand up for the state and city of Detroit.

“I know it’s going through some trying times; I’m always the first to stick up for Michigan and Detroit and the people. Those are the people I grew up with. If any area can rejuvenate itself and get back to where it once was, it’s Michigan, especially the Detroit area.”


On to some quick Q&A with coach Shaw from Cranbrook.

Q: Did you ever have an inkling that Lalas would go on to have the type of success he’s enjoyed on and off the field professionally?

A: Alexi’s evolution is not really surprising, given the abundance of talents he has. As a high school student, he was already the leader of a very successful band, a writer of poetry and a commanding speaker. He has a razor sharp wit, but also an incredible sensitivity.

Q: Did his personality at Cranbrook ever resemble that of a future TV personality?

A: Alexi loved our talent shows and any opportunity to speak publicly.

Q: We know he also excelled in hockey and has pursued other interests, such as music. What kind of work ethic did he display at Cranbrook to lead him to be so versatile and talented?

A: Alexi was always extremely busy, just not always busy with conventional school successes. His real passion was putting everything together — guitar, soccer, song writing. He often spent evenings on the soccer field playing, singing and composing.

Q: As a soccer coach in the 1980’s, did you ever expect soccer to grow in the United States as it has over the past couple decades?

A: I am not surprised at the proliferation of the fan base. TV has to find it a friendlier sport.

Q: Lastly, do you have any funny or interesting stories about Alexi from his playing days at Cranbrook?

A: Perhaps the most colorful side to Alexi was his car, which basically served as a soccer locker room, a bedroom, kitchen and music studio.

Lalas did, after all, say something to me about growing up dreaming about being Bon Jovi rather than a soccer star. I’m glad, and I’m sure I’m not alone, that he chose the beautiful game. We’ll try and get a hold of him again to ask him about his car, his stance as a music lover about the humming Vuvuzela horns of South Africa and, of course, the World Cup.

So check back later, and until then, enjoy the rest of the tournament.