We’re excited to welcome former FC Wisconsin standout and accomplished professional player, Tony Walls, to our coaching staff! A key figure in helping his FC team reach the USYS National Championship Final in 2007, Tony returns to the club where his journey began, bringing with him an impressive resume filled with achievements both on the field and from the sidelines.

 

Tony’s extensive playing and coaching background, combined with his passion and relentless drive, will be a tremendous asset to FC Wisconsin and all of our teams. His competitive fire and commitment to excellence are exactly what teh club needs, as we set our sights on bringing another National Championship home to Wisconsin.

“I'm incredibly excited to rejoin my childhood club that was pivotal for my development as a player and person. Despite relatively successful collegiate and professional careers, some of my best soccer memories come from my time at FC Wisconsin," said Tony Walls. "Amassing five state championships, back-to-back regional championships, finishing third in the nation in 2006, and National Runner-Up in 2007, my teammates and I were determined to win at the highest level for our club. I am excited to share the knowledge I've gained through my professional career and working with some of the top clubs in Missouri. Additionally, I"m equally excited to work with, and learn from Coach Solberg, who was one of the most influential coaches in my youth career, and all of the coaching staff at FC Wisconsin. I'm excited to do my part to help our players maximize their potential, on and off the field, and bring another National Championship to the club!"

 

“Tony’s success as a player and his legacy within Wisconsin soccer are well known. His presence, knowledge, relentless work ethic, and infectious energy will undoubtedly resonate with our players, teams, and staff. He brings a tremendous depth of playing and coaching experience, along with a youthful, competitive drive that will immediately elevate our program and club. We’re excited for him to get started and eager to see the impact his enthusiasm and competitiveness energy will have on everyone around him,” noted Co-Director of Coaching, Ben Shepherd.

 

Tony grew up in Wauwatosa and grew up playing at FC Wisconsin. In 2007, he was a NSCAA Youth All-American and in 2007 he was invited to the U17 USMNT Camp. Tony was captain of the team that put FC Wisconsin on the map. He won five straight State Championships, two Regional Championships, making it to the Youth National Championship, twice losing in a shootout in the National Finals.

 

Walls would then move on to be one of the most-heralded college players in program history and garnered numerous accolades at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay including:

 

· 2008 Horizon League Newcomer of the Year

· 2008 Second Team All-Horizon League

· 2008 TOPdrawersoccer.com Freshman All-American 1st Team

· 2008 Collegesoccernews.com Freshman All-American 2nd Team

· 2009 First Team All-Horizon League

· 2009 NSCAA Great Lakes First Team All-Region

· 2010 Herman Trophy Watch List (only player in school history)

· 2010 First Team All-Horizon League

· 2010 NSCAA Great Lakes Third Team All-Region

· 2010 Horizon League All-Tournament Team

· 2010 Horizon League Tournament Runner-Up (Team Captain)

· 2011 Horizon League Player of the Year

· 2011 First Team All-Horizon League

· 2011 NSCAA Great Lakes Third Team All-Region

· 2011 Horizon League All-Tournament Team

 

Tony was then drafted to Chicago Fire and began his long, professional career that included:

· First player in school history to sign an MLS contract

· Drafted #47 overall to Chicago Fire

· 2012 MLS with Chicago Fire

· 2015 USL Championship with Rochester Rhinos (USL Regular Season and Playoff Champions)

· 2016 USL Championship with Rochester Rhinos

· 2017 USL Championship with Saint Louis FC

· 2018 USL Championship with Saint Louis FC

· 2019 USL League One with Chattanooga Red Wolves

· 2020 USL Championship with Pittsburgh Riverhounds

 

Additionally, Walls had a notable career in professional indoor soccer, playing for the following teams:

· Milwaukee Wave (2013-2016, 2023-Current)

· Cedar Rapids Rampage (2016-2018)

· Ontario Fury

· St. Louis Ambush

 

Tony has always been a captain and leader in every phase of his playing career, so there’s no doubt his leadership and knowledge would transfer seamlessly into the coaching world. Tony has coached at Lou Fusz, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, Technical Director at Juventus Academy STL, and runs his own skills and development company, Walls Skills Academy.

 

Co-Director of Coaching Billy Solberg shared, “We couldn’t be more thrilled with Tony joining the FC Wisconsin coaching family. Personally, having coached Tony, his leadership, his competitive drive, and his ability to teach the game is something that will continue to elevate and raise this program. We’ve been trying to get Tony back for three years now, and the timing could not have been better. We can’t wait for him to impact players, teams, and staff. Once FC Family, always FC Family! Welcome back! We are so excited!”