Tony Meola

Tony Meola
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Name	Tony Meola
Birth date	June 21, 1969
Birth place	Belleville, New Jersey, United States
Occupation	Former professional soccer goalkeeper, coach, broadcaster
Years active	1988–2012

Tony Meola Anthony Thomas Meola Jr. (born June 21, 1969) is an American former professional soccer goalkeeper, coach, and broadcaster. He was a leading figure in United States men's soccer during the 1990s and early 2000s, representing clubs in Major League Soccer and Europe and serving as a long-time member and captain of the United States men's national team. Meola combined high-profile international tournament appearances with roles in coaching, television, and youth development.

Early life and education

Meola was born in Belleville, New Jersey, and raised in Kearny and Nutley, New Jersey, areas noted for producing players associated with U.S. soccer heritage such as John Harkes, Tab Ramos, and Claudio Reyna. He attended Nutley High School and later played collegiate soccer at the University of Virginia under coach Bruce Arena, joining a roster that included teammates like Ben Olsen, Claudio Reyna, and Alexi Lalas. Meola's collegiate tenure coincided with Virginia's rise in the NCAA Men's Division I Soccer Championship and the program's prominence alongside schools such as Indiana University Bloomington and Saint Louis University.

Club career

Meola began his professional career with the Prato system in Italy before returning to the United States to play for teams in the American Professional Soccer League and Major League Soccer. In MLS he was a marquee goalkeeper for expansion and established clubs including the MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards, and New York Red Bulls. His MLS career overlapped with contemporaries such as Tony Sanneh, Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller, and Mike Ammann, and he competed in matches at venues like Giants Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. Meola also had stints abroad with clubs connected to the English Football League and Italian football circuits, reflecting a trend among American players in the 1990s to gain experience in Serie A, Serie B, and English football environments.

International career

Meola earned over 100 caps for the United States men's national soccer team and was a member of squads for major tournaments including the 1990 FIFA World Cup, 1994 FIFA World Cup, and 1998 FIFA World Cup. He was the starting goalkeeper for the United States at the 1990 and 1994 tournaments and shared duties in 1998 alongside other keepers such as Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel. Meola also represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and played in multiple editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup. His international career intersected with team captains and leaders like John Harkes, Eric Wynalda, and Tab Ramos, and coaching staffs led by Bora Milutinović, Bruce Arena, and Steve Sampson.

Coaching and managerial career

After retiring as a player, Meola transitioned into coaching and youth development, holding positions with academy programs and professional clubs linked to MLS organizations such as New York Red Bulls and New York City FC affiliates. He worked alongside coaches and directors including Randy Waldrum, Bob Bradley, and Jason Kreis in roles that emphasized goalkeeper training and talent identification. Meola also took part in collegiate coaching environments related to programs like those at Rutgers University and contributed to goalkeeper clinics associated with the U.S. Youth Soccer structure.

Broadcasting and media work

Meola moved into broadcasting and punditry, providing commentary and analysis for networks covering competitions such as Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions League, and international friendlies. He appeared on platforms alongside commentators who have covered events including the FIFA World Cup broadcasts and worked with production teams involved in telecasts for outlets that report on U.S. soccer and domestic competitions. His media presence connected him with former players-turned-analysts like Eric Wynalda, Alexi Lalas, and Taylor Twellman.

Personal life

Meola has family ties to the New Jersey area and has been involved in community initiatives and charitable activities connected to soccer development in regions such as Hudson County, New Jersey and Essex County, New Jersey. Off the field, he has engaged with business ventures and public appearances with organizations associated with the growth of professional soccer in the United States, including initiatives linked to Major League Soccer expansion and youth soccer sponsorships.

Legacy and honors

Meola is recognized among the cadre of American players who helped raise the profile of United States men's national soccer team in the 1990s and who contributed to MLS's early decades alongside figures like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Brian McBride. Individually he earned caps milestones and tournament distinctions that place him in discussions of prominent U.S. goalkeepers such as Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel. Meola's legacy is reflected in honors at collegiate and professional levels, inclusion in centennial cap lists, and his ongoing influence through coaching, youth development, and media contributions tied to organizations like U.S. Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer.

Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:American soccer players