UCLA (USA), San Jose (USA), Fulham FC (England), Leeds United (England)
Honours
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Biography
Eddie Lewis (born May 17, 1974, in Cerritos, California) is an
American soccer player, who currently plays left midfielder for
Leeds United in England's Football League Championship.
Lewis played college soccer at UCLA, leading his team in scoring
in 1995. He was drafted by the then-San Jose Clash in the third
round of the 1996 MLS College Draft. He would spend the next
four years in San Jose, becoming a full-time starter in his
second season. Originally a forward, the lefty moved to the
midfield early on in his pro career. In his time with the Clash,
he scored nine goals and added 35 assists in 115 games and was
named to the MLS Best XI in 1999.
Lewis signed with England's Fulham, then in the Football League
First Division, in 2000. He spent three seasons there, but did
not see much playing time, especially in his last year, when the
club was promoted to the Premiership. He only played one game
for his club in 2001-02, the meaningless season finale. Overall,
he appeared in 14 total games for the London club, scoring just
one goal. Lewis made a move to Preston North End in 2002 and
spent the next three years there, a consistent starter
throughout his tenure. He transferred to Leeds in June 2005.
Since his transfer to Leeds, Lewis has impressed greatly. His
skillful play on the wing has seen him embarrass many full backs
and he has shown a great range of crosses, both from open play
and dead ball situations. A set piece expert, Eddie scored an
amazing free kick at Burnley, before further winning goals
against Stoke and Luton enhanced his reputation as a crowd
favourite. He has been a virtually ever present in 2005/06 for
Kevin Blackwell's men and is easily clear in the clubs assist
chart.
Lewis made his debut with the U.S. national team on October 16,
1996, against Peru, a game boycotted by almost all regular US
players because of salary concerns. Unlike most of the other
players to appear in that game, Lewis went on to have a stellar
national career, compiling 67 caps as of December 2005. He
played an important role for the US in the 2002 World Cup,
starting both elimination games, and delivering a beautiful
cross to Landon Donovan for the team's second goal in their 2-0
victory over Mexico. With increasing competition at left
midfield, most notably from DaMarcus Beasley, Lewis began a
transition to left back in late 2005, debuting in that slot in a
World Cup qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago on August 17,
2005. Although he continues to play left midfield for his
professional club, Lewis has welcomed the move to left back for
the national team and appears to be on the way to securing a
permanent role in that position.
