Alexi Lalas is one of the most famous American soccer players in the world.
As his legend grew, one of those years was spent in Kansas City prior to his first retirement.
Lalas joined the Wiz in the trade that brought Tony Meola to Kansas City in exchange for Mark Chung and Mike Ammann. While Lalas’ tenure was brief, Meola went on to win MLS MVP, Goalkeeper of the Year, and MLS Cup MVP as he led the Wizards to their first MLS Cup title in 2000.
Alexi made 30 appearances in that 1999 season, scoring a then career high 4 goals and chipping in an assist.
His match worn shirt features the felt lettering on the "Kansas City" name and his own name and number on the back. These shirts were fairly interesting in their day, and this secondary style that was worn in both 1999 and 2000 was the final style that Kansas City wore its trademark rainbow coloring before switching to a more dominant royal blue and white motif.
Following the 1999 season, Lalas retired from football.
The former USMNT defender is known for his outspoken nature and tendency to court controversy. From the horse's mouth, Alexi’s time in Kansas City was one of the low points of his career. It wasn’t necessarily Kansas City itself, but he felt like he needed a break.
His retirement ultimately cost him a chance to win the MLS Cup in 2000 as the Wizards stormed to a Supporter’s Shield and MLS Cup championship without him.