Alexi Lalas, the soccer analyst that people either love or hate, will make his FOX Sports debut in January after leaving ESPN at the end of this month.
As we reported in October (along with Awful Announcing), Lalas joins host Rob Stone, Warren Barton and former USMNT teammates Eric Wynalda and recently-added Brad Friedel as key members of FOX Sports’ soccer team. He is set to contribute to FOX Sports’ coverage of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, England’s FA Cup, Major League Soccer, USMNT matches, UEFA European Championship Qualifiers and FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015.
Lalas, in a feature interview with Sports Illustrated, will make his debut during FOX’s coverage of the FA Cup Third Round. FOX hasn’t announced yet which games will be televised, so we’ll have to wait and see which game Lalas will make his debut in. However, it’s ironic that Lalas will make his debut focusing on English teams given that he called the Premier League an inferior product in 2007.
“I am really thrilled to join FOX Sports and work on the terrific lineup of soccer properties they’ve assembled over the last few years,” said Lalas. “I’ve been impressed with the quality and depth of FOX’s soccer coverage and I’m excited to contribute to the overall effort and help grow the sport I love.”
Lalas joins FOX Sports from ESPN, where he was the lead studio analyst for the network’s coverage of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. He also provided analysis on Major League Soccer, USMNT Team matches and international soccer events including the UEFA European Championships and FIFA Confederations Cups.
Lalas’ soccer background extends far beyond his broadcasting career. One of the best defenders in American soccer history, Lalas was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006. He was the first American to play in Italy’s top division, Serie A, with club Padova, before moving to the MLS in 1996, the league’s inaugural season. He enjoyed much of his on-field success with the LA Galaxy, winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup. Following his retirement in 2002, he was appointed the general manager of the San Jose Earthquakes; he served the same role with the LA Galaxy in 2008 before joining ESPN.
FOX Sports acquiring Alexi Lalas will definitely boost their soccer coverage, which is in a dire need of change. I’m confident he will excel at FOX, but the question is whether his colleagues will be able to keep up and attain similar levels of professionalism that Lalas’ colleagues at ESPN hit.
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Pauline
July 6, 2018 at 5:16 pm
He’s a classic hungover, angry, negative, interrupting, argumentative, obnoxious twit. Watching the World Cup is so enjoyable but he ruins it. He’s a buzz kill. Get him and his uninformed opinions off the air – no one likes him.
tim
December 17, 2014 at 8:50 am
People dont liek Lalas because he pushed the envelope and creates converstion. Weather you agree with him or not its good for the game. Normally its the people who dont care about American soccer and would rather hear an accent that dont like him. Admit it, its ok.
Flyvanescence
December 17, 2014 at 11:45 am
Sorry tim that is completely false. I dont like Lalas because he is unbelievably inept at analysing soccer, yet picks arguments and asks loaded questions of far better analysts just to “create debate”. And looks like a smug jackwaggon while doing it.
I have no problem with American accents. Ive praised Kyle Martino several times, even Taylor Twellman and Kasey Keller i dont mind. Ive even been one of the few defending Tim Howard in the booth.
rkujay
December 17, 2014 at 3:40 am
I never listen to fox prematch hosts or their commentary. So this is good. Now I don’t have to listen to another self important ‘expert’.
Brian
December 16, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Just another reason to avoid Fox.
Faithless
December 16, 2014 at 5:47 pm
Biggest collection of idiots out there, they know nothing on the leagues and competitions they comment on, save Brad Friedel
Flyvanescence
December 16, 2014 at 4:02 pm
Come on Chris. Lalas is the bellend of all bellends in the commentary business.
Christopher Harris
December 16, 2014 at 4:12 pm
I think he’ll do well at FOX. He’s better than any of the pundits they have, and he’ll be in his element with MLS and World Cup games.
He’s not the Alexi Lalas of yesteryear. He’s improved a lot.
Flyvanescence
December 16, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Improved a lot since six months ago? 😀
jtm371
December 16, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Sorry but just another reason not to watch. Two thumbs down for AL.
Pauline
July 6, 2018 at 5:18 pm
quite the opposite actually