Steve Cronin
A reliable shot-stopper who anchored the net for the LA Galaxy during their dominant run to multiple MLS Cup titles.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American soccer player·Birthday: May 28·Millennials
Biography
Steve Cronin carved out a solid, if understated, professional soccer career defined by resilience and key contributions to championship teams. Born in Sacramento, California, his path took him from standout performances at Santa Clara University to the professional ranks, where he was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes. His career found its most significant footing with the LA Galaxy, where he served as a dependable goalkeeper during a period of immense success. While not always the flashiest name on the roster, Cronin's steady presence between the posts provided a crucial foundation for a star-studded team. His tenure included lifting the MLS Cup, a testament to his role in a collective effort. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, bringing his on-field experience to the next generation of goalkeepers.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Steve was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Steve Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Steve's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the MLS Cup in 2011 as a member of the LA Galaxy.
- Recorded 22 shutouts over his professional club career in Major League Soccer.
- Played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara University, earning All-West Coast Conference honors.
Did You Know?
He was selected 16th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.
Cronin played for the United States U-20 national team.
He spent a brief loan period with the Portland Timbers before they joined MLS, when they were in the USL First Division.
“My job is to stop the ball and organize the guys in front of me.”
