Transformation

Flashback to 1994. I was an innocent 16 year old discovering the beauty that is the FIFA World Cup. I knew every player on the US Mens National Team. I was their biggest fan. I kind of had a crush on the Keeper, Tony Meola. I thought Kobi Jones had the coolest name ever and decided that if I ever get a dog I'm going to name it after him. I loved them all. But, my favorite was the Defender, Alexi Lalas. One of the most recognizable players in US Soccer history, he was best known for his outrageous long red hair and matching goatee. I think I liked him because he was so odd looking.


Flashforward to the year 2006. I am a less innocent 24 year old (don't even try to do the math) reveling in the beauty that is the FIFA World Cup. This time around I don't know everyone on the US National Team, however my recognition of international players has dramatically increased. The biggest surprise of World Cup thus far has had nothing to do with the soccer, futbol, or football itself. But this:

WHAT? Alexi Lalas is good looking?

Lalas is serving as a World Cup commentator on ABC sports alongside fellow US Soccer greats Eric Wynalda and Julie Foudy. When I first saw him I was shocked and amazed... and quite pleased. I never would have guessed a haircut and a shave could transform this once dirty hippie into something easy on the eyes. As much as I love watching the matches live on Univision, where the only thing I understand is "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!" or "GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL!", I'll look forward to watching the live games on sunday mornings broadcast in english with the half time commentary by my new soccer boyfriend. Thank you Lalas!