Ricky Davis

Ricky Davis was considered, at the time, the greatest ever American soccer (football) player, and the greatest US player of the North American Soccer League (NASL) era. Davis played one year in college for Santa Clara University but then went to the NASL with the New York Cosmos, playing with them from 1978-84. He also played from 1981-90 in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), starting with the Cosmos, and then playing with the St. Louis Steamers from 1983-86, the New York Express in 1986-87, and the Tacoma Stars in 1987-90. Davis was on the US national team from 1977-88, earning 35 caps. He played at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics.

Davis later became head coach and general manager of the Los Angeles Salsa of the American Professional Soccer League. In 2004 he became director of programs for the American Youth Soccer Organization, and in 2006 became its National Executive Director, serving through 2010. He has also worked as a television commentator for soccer, including as the long-time color commentator for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Davis was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.