Where are they now?: Ben Speas
Today marks the 35th birthday of a player who holds a unique place in the history of Minnesota soccer. Before the Loons made the jump to Major League Soccer, Ben Speas arrived in the Twin Cities as a high-profile signing from the Columbus Crew, bringing a pedigree of winning that few in the NASL could match. As we celebrate his birthday this Jan. 17, we took a look at what the former attacking midfielder is up to today.
From the pitch to the professional world
After a nine-year professional career that saw him play for the Columbus Crew, Minnesota United, Indy Eleven, and North Carolina FC, Speas officially hung up his boots in November 2020. While many fans might have expected him to stay on the touchline as a coach—a path he initially explored with the NCFC Academy—Speas has since transitioned into a career completely outside of the beautiful game.
Today, Speas resides in North Carolina and serves as a claims supervisor in the insurance industry. In a recent interview with his alma mater at UNC, he noted that the leadership and management skills he developed as a professional athlete have translated directly into his new role in supervision.
- Family first: Much of his time is now dedicated to his wife and three children. His son, now eight, has followed in his father’s footsteps and is currently playing youth soccer.
- The coaching itch: While he works in the corporate world, Speas hasn’t entirely left the grass behind, often helping out with his children’s teams and staying connected to the local soccer community in Cary.
A career defined by the big moment
For those who followed the Loons during the 2016 NASL season, Speas was a creative spark in a squad that was preparing for the transition to the top flight. He finished that year with four goals and three assists in 26 appearances, often providing the technical quality needed to break down stubborn defenses.
His career was defined by “clutch” performances long before he arrived in Minnesota:
- College legend: He is one of the few players to win back-to-back NCAA National Championships with two different schools—Akron in 2010 and North Carolina in 2011.
- Winning goal: He scored the lone goal in the 2011 College Cup final for the Tar Heels, earning him the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player award.
- Homegrown success: He was a pioneer for the Columbus Crew’s academy, signing a homegrown contract in 2012 and proving that the path from youth soccer to the pros was possible.
The Speas legacy in Minnesota
Though he only spent one season with Minnesota United, his arrival signaled the club’s growing ambition. He was the type of player who brought “MLS quality” to the NASL side, helping to bridge the gap during one of the most transformative years in the organization’s history.
As he celebrates his 35th birthday today, we wish him the best in his new career and thank him for the memories at the National Sports Center.
