Mayer, Alan

Mayer was one of the top American goalkeepers in the 1970s. A four-time MVP of the James Madison University soccer team, he was also named MVP of the tennis team for three seasons. Mayer played professionally in the NASL (North American Soccer League) and MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) in the 1970s and 1980s, and was a member of the U.S. National team from 1978-1980. He is a member of the James Madison University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Mayer had an outstanding collegiate career where he set school records with five consecutive shutouts (in 1972), 11 shutouts in a season (1972), and 24 career shutouts. Named All-South from 1971-73, he was also selected to the NSCAA All-America team in 1971 and 1972 (the first male athlete from JMU to receive All-America honors). A four-year letterwinner, Mayer turned to professional soccer after graduating from James Madison University in 1974.

Drafted by the Baltimore Comets (a new franchise), Mayer became a successful goalie in the NASL (North American Soccer League), the top league in the United States. In 1977, he finished seventh in the league with a 1.39 goals against average and had seven shutouts while playing for the Las Vegas Quicksilver (who finished in last place). That year, he was a second team All-Star selection. Mayer remained in the league for a number of years and played for the San Diego Jaws, Baltimore Comets, and the Las Vegas Quicksilver during his NASL career. In 1978 and 1979, Mayer was named to the NASL All-Star team.

In 1979, Mayer switched leagues and joined the Pittsburgh Spirits of the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League). Four years later (1982-83), he was named the league MVP and All-MISL and led the San Diego Sockers to the championship. Mayer played three more seasons in the MISL with the Las Vegas Americans and Kansas City Comets before retiring from competitive soccer in 1987.

Origin:
Islip, New York

Career Dates:
Mayer played in the North American Soccer League for the San Diego Jaws, the Baltimore Comets, and the Las Vegas Quicksilver in the 1970s. He played in the Major Indoor Soccer League in 1979 for the Pittsburgh Spirits, for the San Diego Sockers in 1982-83, and over the next three years for the Las Vegas Americans and the Kansas City Comets.

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