Eric Wynalda
The first American goal scorer in MLS history and former USMNT record holder known for his heavy shot and fiery play.
Eric Wynalda is an American soccer icon known as one of the first players to compete professionally in Europe before returning home to score the inaugural goal in Major League Soccer history. A dynamic forward with a heavy shot and fiery demeanor, he earned the nickname 'Eric the Red Card' for his aggressive play. He served as the United States national team's all-time leading scorer until 2008 and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004. Beyond his playing days, Wynalda has worked extensively as a coach and television commentator, currently hosting 'WTF: Wynalda Talks Football' on SiriusXM FC.
- Nationality
- American
- Role
- Forward / Striker
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Wynalda's club journey included significant stints in Germany, becoming the first American-born player at a top-level German club when he joined 1. FC Saarbrücken in August 1992. He scored eight goals in his first half-season there before the club purchased his contract for $405,000. After moving to VfL Bochum, he navigated relegations and promotions, though a hernia operation limited his play in one season. In MLS, he was allocated to the San Jose Clash, where on April 6, 1996, he scored the very first goal in league history during their 1–0 victory over D.C. United. His career was marked by resilience and tragedy; while loaned to Club León in Mexico in 1999, he tore both his ACL and medial meniscus. Later, after attempting to join the Los Angeles Galaxy, negotiations failed, leading him to sign with the Charleston Battery where another pre-season ACL tear ended his professional playing career.
In Their Own Story
On April 6, 1996, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Eric Wynalda made history by scoring the first goal in Major League Soccer. Playing for the San Jose Clash against D.C. United, his strike secured a 1–0 victory and etched his name permanently into the league's record books. The moment cemented his status as an MLS pioneer. His international career was equally dramatic; during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, he became the first U.S. player ejected from a match after receiving a red card against Czechoslovakia for pushing midfielder Ľubomír Moravčík to the ground. Despite this, he went on to lead the US squad to victory in the 1991 CONCACAF Gold Cup and scored crucial goals at the 1994 World Cup. By 2000, he retired from international play as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 34 goals in 106 appearances.
Reader's Guide
Eric Wynalda's coaching career began in 2005 when Bakersfield Brigade hired him as technical director; he even signed a playing contract with them in 2007 and 2008. Since 2012, he has served as the head coach of Cal FC. Under his leadership, Cal FC achieved a historic run in the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, reaching the fourth round. They upset USL Pro side Wilmington Hammerheads 4–0 and defeated Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers 1–0 with their regular starting lineup. This victory made Cal FC the second-ever amateur team to beat an MLS club and the first to do so without penalty kicks. Wynalda also remains active in the Los Angeles Olympic Soccer League, playing over-30s soccer alongside legends like Alexi Lalas and John Harkes.
Did You Know?
- Wynalda scored the first goal in Major League Soccer history on April 6, 1996.
- He was the United States' all-time leading scorer with 34 goals until Landon Donovan broke the record in 2008.
- In 1988, as a youth player for the Westlake Wolves, he scored more goals (58) than his entire division combined in 16 games.
- He became the first American-born player to play for a top-level German club when he joined 1. FC Saarbrücken in 1992.
- Wynalda earned the nickname 'Eric the Red Card' due to his fiery playing style, which included a World Cup ejection in 1990.
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