The 1984 Hermann Award winner as the nation's best collegiate soccer player, Aly was among a core group of players made Columbia soccer a dominant force from the late 1970's through the mid-1980's.

Aly, a Brooklyn, New York, native via Cairo, Egypt, began his Columbia career in 1980 as a goal-scoring machine, planting 10 in the back of the net, just one shy of the team lead. He also contributed three assists to finish tied for second with 13 points. Columbia posted a 12-2-2 overall mark during that season with a 4-1-2 showing against the Ivy League to earn a split of its third straight conference title. It would be the first of four Ivy League Championship teams in which Aly would play on.

He took the 1981 season off from Columbia after competing with the U.S. National Youth Team in international competition in Switzerland, Italy, Australia and China, as well as at the Pan-American Games in 1982.

With a year of international competition under his belt, Aly returned to Columbia in 1982 and continued to showcase his refined offensive skills. He once again finished second on the team in scoring with four goals and five helpers, setting the Lions up for their fifth straight Ivy League title. In addition to earning a spot on the All-Ivy League first team, he was named second team all-region.

The 1983 season remains the gold standard for Columbia soccer, as the Lions reached the NCAA Tournament title contest, finishing runner-up to Indiana in a 1-0 decision. Along the way, Columbia posted an 18-0 record to reach the matchup with the Hoosiers. Aly again reached double digit scoring, with three goals and four assists, contributing to an offense that outscored opponents, 52-6. For his overall contributions, Aly earned a spot on the All-America third team, all-region team and the All-Ivy League first team.

Aly concluded his career on the pitch in a Lions uniform in the most impressive of fashions, capturing the Hermann Award as the nation's top player and a second team All-America nod and his third straight first-team All-Ivy League selection. Columbia won its seventh straight Ivy League Championship, receiving two goals and five assists from Aly.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Aly continued to train with the U.S. National Team at various levels, including the 1984 Olympic squad. He went on to compete professionally for six years.