Last update March 16, 2025 by Alberto Llopis
In the heart of American football the name of Eric Wynalda, A striker who broke barriers and wrote history with each goal. Born on 9 June 1969 A full tone, California, We remember it as one of the pioneers who carried Yankee talent in football to Europe and how The footballer who scored the first goal in the history of the MLS. From his days in Westlake Village to his path in the Bundesliga and the World Cups, Wynalda is more than a player: It is a symbol of American sleep in global football.
The origins of an American star: Westlake and San Diego
Growing at Westlake Village, Wynalda showed her magic since childhood with the Westlake Wolves, Led by his father Dave. It is said that it marked 58 goals in 16 matches to win the Ayso state championship, His talent compared to the rest of the children who played football in his area, It was undeniable.
And Westlake High School, It was three times all-state, And at San Diego State University (1987-1989), left 34 goals and 25 assists, carrying the Aztecs to the final NCAA in 1987, A debut that catapulted him to stardom within the margins in which American football moved at that time.
Pioneer in Europe: Saarbrücken y Bochum in the Bundesliga German
In 1992, Wynalda crossed the Atlantic to join the 1. FC Saarbrücken in the Bundesliga, becoming the first American in a Top League in Germany. With 21 goals in 61 matches between 1992 Y 1994, Its impact was immediate. Then, EN VFL Bochum (1994-1996), He faced ups and downs: Without goals in 22 Bundesliga matches, But he helped ascent in 1996 with 2 so many in the 2. Bundesliga, All while dealing with a hernia. His passage through Europe opened doors for future generations of American soccer players.
THE BIRTH OF THE MLS: The historical goal
The 6 April 1996, Wynalda returned home and He scored the first goal in the history of the MLS With San Jose Clash against D.C. United, a 1-0 that resonated in world football. His league career included stops in Miami Fusion, New England Revolution y Chicago Fire, Where he added 34 goals before retiring in 2001. A brief step by Club León in 1999 He showed his versatility, But it was in the MLS where he cemented his legend.
THE KING OF THE SELECTION: 34 Goals and three World Cups
With 106 parties and 34 goals, Wynalda was the top EE scorer. UU. until 2008. He debuted in 1990 vs. Costa Rica and shone in three world glasses: 1990, 1994 Y 1998. His foul goal against Switzerland in USA 1994, A draw 1-1 I don't detroit, It is still a classic. In an era without var, His power and vision defined American football on the global stage.
Coach and commentator
After hanging the boots, Wynalda trained Bakersfield Brigade and Las Vegas Lights FC, Taking your passion to the courts. As commentator at Fox Sports 1, ESPN y SiriusXM FC con “WTF: Wynalda Talks Football”, His voice resonates in 2025. Induced to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004, His influence inspires cracks like Donovan and Dempsey, who followed their steps.
Eric Wynalda in 2025: An eternal icon
Today, Eric Wynalda It's not just a name in history books. He is the striker who broke molds, From the California lawn to the stadiums of Germany and the MLS. His goal at the World Cup 1994, His record with the selection and his footprint in the league make him a soccer titan.
Your goal in 1994 or the first of the MLS? Why do you remember?
