Tony Meola was the last of his kind. First choice goalkeeper for the USMNT in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, Meola struck an imposing figure between the frame. 6'1" and full of Italian-American stereotypes, it was his ponytail that made him the most famous. I contend that, if Antonio Michael Meola had played any sport besides soccer in the United States, he would be remembered as one of the biggest characters/personalities to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated. Everyone remembers the ponytail, but does anyone remember his ill-fated
tryout for the New York Jets and its aftermath? How about the time he quit playing soccer to star in the off-Broadway play,
Tony n' Tina's Wedding?
