Alexi Lalas played hockey before soccer. His love of music came from his mom, who was in a group of madrigal singers, and sent him to piano lessons and taught him basic guitar chords. His first live music experience? Pat Benatar.

Former USMNT soccer star, Alexi Lalas exploded onto the international stage during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, a summer in which Americans embraced the world's most popular sport. He went on to become the first American to play in Italy's Serie A; and when Major League Soccer kicked off in 1996, he returned to the US and spent the rest of his playing career helping launch the league, with stints at the New England Revolution, Kansas City Wizards, and LA Galaxy; where he won numerous competitions, including the MLS Cup, before retiring from playing in 2002. His post playing career included gigs as general manager of the San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls, and LA Galaxy. He currently works as an analyst for Fox Sports and hosts the State of the Union podcast. Last year, he released his eighth album of music, 'Melt Away'. In this episode Nic get' ...