Photo by: Columbia University Athletics
Amr Aly Honored at Tuesday Night’s NYC Soccer Gala
2/26/2020 11:37:00 AM | Men's Soccer
1984 Hermann Trophy winner one of six honorees at the event
NEW YORK — Columbia men's soccer alumnus Amr Aly '85CC was one of six guests honored at the 2020 NYC Soccer Gala, which was held Tuesday night at the New York Athletic Club.
This year's six honorees included Aly, former U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bruce Arena, as well as ESPN's Bob Ley, St. John's Huey Ferguson, St. Francis College's Phil LaSpisa and Fordham's Jim McElderry.
"Being honored tonight with the likes of Bruce Arena, Bob Ley and all of the other college and university honorees is unbelievable," said Aly during the event. "I'm also honored that so many of my Columbia friends came tonight. It's a walk down memory lane seeing my former teammates.
"Under the guidance of head coach Kevin Anderson, the alumni group has become very active. For so many to come out on a night like this and support one of their own – I'm truly humbled. It's great to see them in the stands at home games but also to see them come out tonight and show their support."
A 2014 inductee into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame, Aly has a long list of achievements headlined by his receipt of the Hermann Award as the nation's top collegiate soccer player in 1984. Aly has been a significant supporter of the Columbia soccer program since his graduation, currently serving as the Chairman of the Friends of Columbia University Men's Soccer.
Aly came to Columbia from Brooklyn, where he grew up playing soccer for S.C. GJOA and the Brooklyn Italians – prior to that from Cairo, Egypt. He immediately made his mark on the Lions by registering 10 goals and three assists on the 1980 Ivy League championship team. After taking the 1981 season off to compete internationally for the US Youth National Team, Aly returned in 1982 for another Ivy League championship as well as First Team All-Ivy and Second Team All-Region honors. In Columbia men's soccer's most successful season of all time, Aly's contributions helped the Lions reach the NCAA National Championship with a perfect 18-0 record before ultimately falling 1-0 to Indiana. For his efforts, Aly garnered First Team All-Ivy, First Team All-Region, and Third Team All-America honors. In his final season with the Lions in 1984, Aly completed his own Ivy League Championship sweep, matched his previous season's honors and was also named All-America Second Team in addition to receiving the Hermann Award. Aly is still the only Lion in the program's history to receive that prestigious player of the year honor.
Aly's contributions on the field speak for themselves, but his continued support of the men's soccer program and Columbia athletics is exemplary. Aly can often be found cheering on the Lions in the stands of the Rocco B. Commisso Stadium at Baker Field. The details of Aly's sparkling resume never reached his own ego, and teammates, friends, and colleagues all commend Aly for his kindness, respect, and support, particularly for all things related to Columbia.
Aly is now a partner with the Jenner & Block law firm, specializing in intellectual property matters. He is married to his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth, and they have two children, Stephen and Olivia.
Once again, the Columbia men's soccer program and the entire Columbia University athletic department congratulate Amr Aly for this tremendous recognition - thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the Lions!
For the latest on the Columbia men's soccer program, follow @ColumbiaMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaMensSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
This year's six honorees included Aly, former U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bruce Arena, as well as ESPN's Bob Ley, St. John's Huey Ferguson, St. Francis College's Phil LaSpisa and Fordham's Jim McElderry.
"Being honored tonight with the likes of Bruce Arena, Bob Ley and all of the other college and university honorees is unbelievable," said Aly during the event. "I'm also honored that so many of my Columbia friends came tonight. It's a walk down memory lane seeing my former teammates.
"Under the guidance of head coach Kevin Anderson, the alumni group has become very active. For so many to come out on a night like this and support one of their own – I'm truly humbled. It's great to see them in the stands at home games but also to see them come out tonight and show their support."
Among the many guests, supporters and Columbia alumni at Tuesday night's gala were Rocco B. Commisso '71SEAS, '75BUS, Todd White '82CC, John Meegan '84CC, Arman Rousta '96CC, former U.S. Soccer Federation President and current member of the FIFA council Sunil Gulati, men's soccer head coach Kevin Anderson, women's soccer head coach Tracey Bartholomew and Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education Peter Pilling.
The NYC Soccer Gala is a celebration of collegiate soccer in the New York City metropolitan area. Co-hosted by St. John's, Fordham and St. Francis, the event honors legends of the sport in addition to stars of the local programs.A 2014 inductee into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame, Aly has a long list of achievements headlined by his receipt of the Hermann Award as the nation's top collegiate soccer player in 1984. Aly has been a significant supporter of the Columbia soccer program since his graduation, currently serving as the Chairman of the Friends of Columbia University Men's Soccer.
Aly came to Columbia from Brooklyn, where he grew up playing soccer for S.C. GJOA and the Brooklyn Italians – prior to that from Cairo, Egypt. He immediately made his mark on the Lions by registering 10 goals and three assists on the 1980 Ivy League championship team. After taking the 1981 season off to compete internationally for the US Youth National Team, Aly returned in 1982 for another Ivy League championship as well as First Team All-Ivy and Second Team All-Region honors. In Columbia men's soccer's most successful season of all time, Aly's contributions helped the Lions reach the NCAA National Championship with a perfect 18-0 record before ultimately falling 1-0 to Indiana. For his efforts, Aly garnered First Team All-Ivy, First Team All-Region, and Third Team All-America honors. In his final season with the Lions in 1984, Aly completed his own Ivy League Championship sweep, matched his previous season's honors and was also named All-America Second Team in addition to receiving the Hermann Award. Aly is still the only Lion in the program's history to receive that prestigious player of the year honor.
Aly's contributions on the field speak for themselves, but his continued support of the men's soccer program and Columbia athletics is exemplary. Aly can often be found cheering on the Lions in the stands of the Rocco B. Commisso Stadium at Baker Field. The details of Aly's sparkling resume never reached his own ego, and teammates, friends, and colleagues all commend Aly for his kindness, respect, and support, particularly for all things related to Columbia.
Aly is now a partner with the Jenner & Block law firm, specializing in intellectual property matters. He is married to his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth, and they have two children, Stephen and Olivia.
Once again, the Columbia men's soccer program and the entire Columbia University athletic department congratulate Amr Aly for this tremendous recognition - thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the Lions!
For the latest on the Columbia men's soccer program, follow @ColumbiaMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaMensSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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