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Alexi Lalas: It's Sad When Players Must Choose High School Or Academy

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Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) was a defender on the US Men's World Cup team in 1994. He is also the first modern-era American soccer player to play in the Italian Serie A. After a career as a Major League Soccer player, Lalas has served as an executive for the San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls, and Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2006 he was elected into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He currently works in sports media and first started as an analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports before transitioning to FOX Sports.

Lalas is saddened by the fact that kids do not have the opportunity to play both High School soccer and for an Academy. He speaks from experience when he talks about his time playing for his school being beneficial for his growth. High School players are playing for something bigger for themselves, they are playing for their school, "and I think there is value to that," added Lalas. It is a shame that a generation is being denied the opportunity to play for their school. Academies should not prohibit kids from playing for their school, Lalas believes.