Lalas lashes US soccer team in epic public spray
Former USA soccer star Alexi Lalas has unloaded on the men's national team in one of the most extraordinary public sprays seen on live television.
Lalas was clearly infuriated by what he described as a bunch of "underperforming, tattooed millionaires," in reference to the US Men's National Team's (USMNT) underwhelming World Cup qualification situation.
The normally dominant USA side is languishing in fourth spot in the CONCACAF standings and in real danger of missing out on automatic berth for next year's showpiece event in Russia.
As it stands, the USA face the very real possibility of having to navigate a treacherous play-off against either the Socceroos or Syria in order to seal their spot in the World Cup.
Bruce Arena’s squad essentially need two victories in both of their October qualifiers, otherwise they face the very real prospect of missing out.
That unthinkable scenario was enough to push Lalas over the edge and he decided to vent his frustrations at halftime during his Fox Sports commentary duties for the MLS match between the Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy.
Lalas delivered a stunningly blunt message to the US soccer team. Pic: Getty
"It's dark days indeed but this is a time for leaders to step up," he began.
The US Hall of Famer then went on to single out a number of players he said needed to lift their games, delivering a stunningly brutal critique of their recent performances.
Veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard was first in the firing line. Fellow former Premier League star Clint Dempsey also felt the wrath as well as Michael Bradley and coach Bruce Arena, among others.
"Oh and by the way to all the guys I didn't mention it's because you don't even warrant a mention and that includes you too Wonderboy," Lalas said in an obvious final reference to US prodigy, Christian Pulisic.
"You are a soccer generation who has been given everything. You are a soccer generation that's on the verge of squandering everything. So now it's time to pay it back. Make us believe again."
Lalas' incredible spray made Mark Bosnich's criticism of Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou look tame in comparison.
Watch it in the video at the top.