If you were to Google Tally Hall, you'd get results for an American rock band best known for its song "Banana Man." Although the 6-foot-4 inch goalkeeper rocks, Talmon Henry Hall V has no interest in being known as "Banana Man." He would rather be known as the heir apparent to the Houston Dynamo goalkeeper position.
Tally signed with the Dynamo during the offseason after a stint with Danish club Esbjerg. Denmark was a long way from playing youth soccer in his hometown of Gig Harbor, Washington, where, as the coach's son, he was expected to take the field with enthusiasm at a young age.
"I love scoring goals, but my dad was my coach when I was younger, and when it was cold, he didn't want to put other kids [in goal], because it was the worst position on the field," recalled Hall.
Even though goalkeeper was not his first preference, Tally quickly found he had a knack for protecting the goal. It did not take long for young Tally to take his duties as goalkeeper personally.
"The first soccer game I lost was in the fourth grade, and I started bawling like a little girl," he said. "I was never a starter in youth soccer. It took me a while to find my stride."
In fact, it was not until his junior year in high school that he became a regular starter. That's when his physique finally caught up with his determination to excel. Eventually standing at 6 feet, 4 inches, Tally continued his soccer career at San Diego State University, where his accolades as a goalie piled up. He was twice an NCAA All-American and was also named a semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann award, presented annually to the top player in college soccer.
"I was shocked I was even on the list," said Hall. "It was really cool to be put on the list; it was strange to see my name on such a prestigious list."
Even after all his accomplishments, Tally has remained humble and open-minded in his approach to learning the game. It has been particularly apparent since his acquisition by the Dynamo, where he plays alongside veteran Pat Onstad.
"I try to be quiet when he's talking, because I can learn a lot," said Hall. "You've got to respect that and pay attention."
Having an opportunity to learn from the best has reenergized Tally's love for the game. He said he is excited about being back in the United States and playing for the Dynamo, even though he grew up idolizing the local Seattle Sounders and always thought it would be exciting to play for Seattle.
"If I'm winning a couple of championships with the Dynamo, why would I want to leave Houston?" asked Hall rhetorically.
Don't expect him to depart any time soon, since Tally and his wife have already settled at home in Houston with their Boston terrier, FIFA. With his new job and their first child on the way, there's only one thing keeping Houston from feeling like home for Tally: California burritos.
"Sombreros has to be my favorite (burrito shop). I'd like to get an individual sponsorship with them, and all they would have to pay me in would be California burritos," exclaimed Tally.
If Tally is anything like the majority of the supplanted population in Houston, it won't be long until Tex-Mex tastes like home to him. Then he can focus solely on helping the Dynamo win the MLS Cup.
Hall's hopes are that one day, when you Google Tally Hall, the first result that appears will be a description for a championship goalkeeper from the Houston Dynamo.
