Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
How Eric Wynalda‘s path from Bundesliga and MLS pioneer is now shaping the next generation of American talent.
Eric Wynalda: A Pioneer in American Soccer
Eric Boswell Wynalda (born June 9, 1969, and yes that is his middle name) is a kid from Southern California who has become one of the most influential people in U.S. Soccer.
The former collegiate soccer star at San Diego State Aztecs from 1987–1989, Wynalda was a machine, scoring 25 goals in his college career. And, this was just the beginning of his spectacular contribution to the game.
Before it became a rite of passage for a youth soccer player to play in Germany, Wynalda signed in 1992 for German club 1. FC Saarbrücken, making him one of the first Americans to play in Europe’s top tiers of football.
More than a powerhouse forward, Wynalda is also the first American to captain a professional team in Europe when earned that role at Saarbrücken. While that club now plays in the 3. Liga, which is the third tier of football in Germany, when Wynalda wore the jersey, the team was in the Bundesliga (the top tier of German soccer).
Four years later, Wynalda scored the first goal in the history of MLS in the league’s inaugural match.
Wynalda was proudly wearing the San Jose Clash kit and scored against DC United and the date of April 6, 1996 went down in history.
The final score was 1-0 with Wynalda’s goal scored in the 88th minute. Note: The San Jose Clash became the San Jose Earthquakes in 1999, ahead of the 2000 season.
By the time he retired from U.S. Soccer’s Men’s National Team in 2000, Wynalda had earned 106 caps and scored a U.S. record of goals.
Watch: Eric Wynalda scores the first goal in MLS history
Eric Wynalda: From Player to TV Analyst and Developer of Talent
Wynalda hung up his pro cleats in 2000. He earned his final cap for the U.S. Men’s National Team on February 19, 2000 and turned his experience of playing in the FIFA World Cup to covering the FIFA World Cup. He also reported on UEFA Champions League, as well as MLS matches as lead analyst and commentator for ESPN and Fox Sports. His relentless drive to make the game better turned his talents to coaching a few years later. According to U.S. Soccer, Coach Wynalda, who famously likes to say things like, “Professional isn’t always better” always championed opportunity and the underdog. From coaching Yan Skwara’s 2018 L.A Wolves FC in the UPSL to his support of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and recently launching his own youth soccer academy initiative, Wynalda Soccer Academy, Wynalda continues to pioneer soccer.
Now his focus is on exposing young American talent to European competition. Walking down the path he first pioneered decades ago.
Eric Wynalda’s Belief in Possibility
Wynalda’s legacy isn’t just what he accomplished on the pitch in the USA or on the world stage — it’s what he wants to happen next. For youth players striving for elite levels, he belives opportunites exist for talent that works hard and is well known for saying: “The process needs time” and of course, you need to Train Like a Pro.
Image: Instagram – Eric Wynalda sits down to discuss why he self-funded his own academy.
