Bonus Episode: "He always dreamed big" ft. Alexi Lalas

09/29/23 • 55 min

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Alexi Lalas, former USMNT & MLS player (New England, Kansas City, LA & the MetroStars) shares his perspectives on the early days of MLS. Alexi reflects on where we've been and where we're going.
He reflects on his own experience with the 'Beckham Experiment' back in the '00's and how it corresponds with what we're witnessing with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami today.
Most importantly, Alexi shares his memories of Doug Hamilton. Doug, who helped build such a dominant 2001 Miami Fusion. Doug, who inspired Chris Henderson and Garth Lagerwey to have the front office careers that they've had. Doug, who helped shape the fabric of Major League Soccer.
Alexi takes time to recount a memorable time in MLS' history. Enjoy!
** Announcing the FIRST EVER #miamifusion reunion and live podcast recording of '25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it'. **
Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL has been gracious enough to host us down at their venue on Friday, October 6 from 8-9:30pm ET
GRAB YOUR TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-fusion-reunion-live-podcast-recording-tickets-650390564687
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Previous Episode

Chapter XX: "We went out on top" ft. Laina DeLima Rosales

In Chapter XX: "We went out on top" former Director of Marketing Services for the Miami Fusion, Laina DeLima Rosales shares her perspective of working for the Miami Fusion 25 years ago.
She shares her memories growing up around the NASL, including being a ball kid for the NY Cosmos! She shares how she took her passions and experience into MLS when she was hired on to work for the Miami Fusion, and later, MLS as a whole.
Laina shares some incredible stories of the Fusion, including WHO is actually responsible for the name "Miami Fusion".
Enjoy!
** Announcing the FIRST EVER #miamifusion reunion and live podcast recording of '25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it'. **
Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL has been gracious enough to host us down at their venue on Friday, October 6 from 8-9:30pm ET
GRAB YOUR TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-fusion-reunion-live-podcast-recording-tickets-650390564687
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Next Episode

Chapter XXI: "The Reunion"

In Chapter XXI: "The Reunion" we FINALLY had our first ever Miami Fusion reunion event!
Held at Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL on Friday, October 6, 2023 there was a LIVE podcast recording of '25 for 25' as part of the Miami Fusion Reunion Event festivities!
Former players, coaches, staff, and fans all congregated in their Fusion gear to drink beer, swap stories, cry, and laugh in a wonderous event. The weekend festivities concluded with some of those folks attending the Inter Miami game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, October 7.
All in all, it was a WONDERFUL event and we captured as many stories as we could to fully complete THIS chapter of the Miami Fusion history.
THANK YOU to all who took time to get on the mic and share their stories:
- Jim Rooney (my captain and co-host)
- Ian Bishop
- John Trask
- Dona Cardoza
- Jaime Rojas
- Chris Henderson
- Dave Barry
- Michelle Kaufman
- Fernando Fiore
- Eric Eichmann
- Emmanuel (from the aFUSIONados)
- Laina DeLima Rosales
- Leo Sarmiento
- Jeff Rusnak
We're nearing the end of our journey through the history books here in South Florida, and while there are still a few more stories yet to be told, please enjoy this wonderful event which occurred just a few short weeks ago!
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.