Tony Meola, Former US Goalkeeper, Suffers Heart Attack Days Before 56th Birthday
Introduction:
Tony Meola, the legendary goalkeeper who represented the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and enjoyed a storied career in Major League Soccer (MLS), has faced a recent health scare. Just one day before his 56th birthday, Meola suffered a heart attack that prompted an unspecified medical procedure.
Medical Incident and Recovery:
According to Meola’s own account shared with Front Row Soccer, he had engaged in a physical activity of running four miles last Saturday. Five days later, he experienced the heart attack. "If I get one of you to go to the doctor and get a checkup, this was all worth it for me," Meola emphasized, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. Despite his setback, Meola is optimistic about his recovery and expects to regain good health within a week.
Reflecting on the Incident:
Reflecting on his experience, Meola acknowledged, "I should have been smarter." The incident has served as a wake-up call, prompting him to underscore the importance of regular checkups and a mindful approach to health.
Footballing Accomplishments:
Meola’s footballing career was marked by notable achievements. He served as the starting goalkeeper for the USMNT in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, providing a solid presence in the net. He also acted as a backup goalkeeper in the 2002 World Cup. Throughout his international career with the national team, Meola made 101 appearances, achieving 35 clean sheets.
MLS Success:
In MLS, Meola’s contributions were equally impressive. He spent 11 seasons with three different clubs – New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards, and New York Red Bulls – and was named an All-Star on four separate occasions. Meola’s most notable achievement came in 2000 when he was crowned the MLS regular season MVP and MLS Cup MVP as Kansas City Wizards lifted the championship title.
Legacy and Impact:
Tony Meola’s career statistics are a testament to his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. He amassed 16 regular-season shutouts and five more in the postseason during the 2000 season. Overall, Meola recorded 62 clean sheets in 250 MLS starts and eight shutouts in 23 playoff matches.
Conclusion:
Tony Meola’s recent health incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and seeking regular medical checkups. Despite the setback, Meola is determined to bounce back and regain his health. His legacy as a legendary goalkeeper who made significant contributions to the USMNT and MLS remains firmly cemented in the annals of football history.
