Tony Meola (born February 21, 1969 in Belleville, New Jersey) is an American goalkeeper, who became one of the most famous soccer players in the United States after his play in the 1994 World Cup.
Meola made his US National Team debut on June 10, 1988, against Ecuador. After playing in college for the University of Virginia (where he won the Hermann Trophy in 1988 and the MAC Award in 1989), he played every minute in goal for the US in the 1990 World Cup. He repeated that in the 1994 World Cup, when his play and ponytail made him a recognizable face around the country.
In 1995, Meola signed with Major League Soccer and was allocated to the MetroStars, for whom he played between 1996 and 1998, starting almost every game. He was on top of the game during his time there, setting a league record with nine shutouts in 1996. Meola did not win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award, however, the honor going to Mark Dodd (it has been said that league politics had a lot to do with that selection). Tony was traded to the Kansas City Wizards (with Alexi Lalas for Mark Chung and Mike Ammann) in 1999, but missed most his first year in the midwest due to injury. In 2000, Meola had an amazing season, being named League MVP, Goalkeeper of the Year, and MLS Cup MVP as he lead Kansas City to the championship. He shattered the league record by recording 16 shutouts. Tony played for the Wizards through the 2004 MLS season.
After a long gap away from the national team in the late 90s, Meola's return vaulted him to 99 caps, the most for a US goalie. He was a third-stringer to Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller at the 2002 World Cup.
Meola's non-soccer ventures include trying out as a place kicker with NFL's New York Jets in 1994 and appearing Off-Broadway in Tony and Tina's Wedding in 1995.
