Jennifer “Jen” Lalor Nielsen (born September 5, 1974), née Jennifer Lalor, is an American retired soccer midfielder and former member of the United States women’s national soccer team. In 2012, she was nominated for entry into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Life

Born in Chula Vista, California, Lalor attended Bonita Vista High School and helped the soccer team to two undefeated seasons and clinch two Metro League titles. She opted not to play high school soccer during her junior and senior years and instead played for the Southern California Blues club team.

Santa Clara University

Lalor attended Santa Clara University where she played for the Broncos from 1992-1996. In 1994, she led the team in assists with 20. She was named to the NSCAA All-American team in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Lalor played in two Final Fours with the Broncos and led the nation in assists in 1994 and 1996. She was a finalist for the Missouri Athletic Club Award and Hermann Trophy in 1993 and 1994.

Lalor was the first player to ever receive a full scholarship for soccer to Santa Clara. She was inducted into the Santa Clara Hall of Fame in 2008.

Lalor now coaches at San Diego Soccer Club.

Playing career

Club

From 1997-1998, Lalor played professionally in Japan for Shiroka Serena. In 1998, she played in Denmark for FB. In 1999, she played for Swedish club, Hammarby.

WUSA

Lalor was selected in the second round of the WUSA Inaugural Draft by the New York Power. She played for the Power from 2001-2002. In 2003, she played for the San Diego Spirit.

International

Lalor was a member of the United States women’s national soccer team player pool from 1987-1995. Her first appearance for the senior team occurred on August 18, 1992 in a match against Norway. She scored her first goal on August 13, 1994 during a match against Mexico. She previously represented the United States on the U-16, U-19, U-20 levels. From 1987-1991, she played for the U.S. Under-16 and Under-19 National Team. In 1993, she competed with the U-20 National team in France, when the team won the International Women’s Tournament.

In 1995, she was part of the team that took home bronze at the Women’s World Cup in Sweden. She returned to the national team player pool in 2001.