COBI JONES


(from www.lagalaxy.com)

Cobi Jones has gone from a walk-on at UCLA to a permanent spot as a midfielder the Galaxy, has the most appearances ever by a US National Team Player and is a member of GolNoir's MLS' All-Time Best Black 11.

A High School teammate of Eric Wynalda, the USA's all time leading scorer, Cobi turned his walk-on spot into All-American status and competed on the 1992 Olympic team with, among others, Alexi Lalas. However he really came into consciousness as a member of the 1994 World Cup Team of the United States. He appeared in all 4 games during that tournament and turned it into a short lived stint at Coventry City, making him the first African-American to play in the English Premiere League. He even scored in his first league match. However a coaching change left him out of favor and he returned to the US. A deal with famed Brazillian club Vasco de Gama fell through. Thankfully, MLS started in 1996 and Cobi was allocated back home to LA to play with the Galaxy.

He's been one of the major reasons LA has been one of the top teams in MLS since its inception. His best year was in 1998 when he scored 19 times and had 13 assists and led LA to MLS' best record, only to be upset in the playoffs by Chicago.

Cobi's pace, tenacity and work rate are major reasons why he is so good, but he has steadily added the ability to beat players on the wing with the dribble and set up his fellow midfielders and forwards.

An active reader who is interested in being a lawyer when his playing days are done, Cobi has also found time to host a show on MTV and was regularly featured in ESPN advertisements for MLS. Though he won't be the most popular guy in town named Cobi, this one continues to get it done, on the field and off, to promote the world's most popular sport.

Throw up 3 fingers and a WEST SIIIIDE for this West Coast Representer.

PHOTOS


Cobi controlling the ball(AP)

Cobi battling Carey Talley of
the Kansas City Wizards (AP)


Cobi celebrating a goal in a
Houston Astros retro shirt
(www.wilinet.net/dkoerner)

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