Ben Speas
Ben Speas remains one of the most technically gifted players to have donned a Minnesota kit during the club’s final chapter in the NASL. A creative engine with a championship pedigree, Speas arrived in the Twin Cities in 2016 and immediately became a central figure in the attack, helping to set the professional standards that would define the club’s jump to Major League Soccer.
The vitals
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Birthdate: Jan. 17, 1991
- Nationality: United States
- How he joined the club: Signed with the NASL side in February 2016 after four seasons with the Columbus Crew.
- Current status: Retired (2020); currently serving as a claims supervisor in the insurance industry and a youth academy coach in North Carolina.
The story so far
Ben Speas brought an unrivaled resume of success at the collegiate and youth levels to Minnesota. A standout for both the University of Akron and the University of North Carolina, Speas is one of the elite few to win back-to-back NCAA National Championships with different programs (Akron in 2010 and UNC in 2011). His legendary 2011 campaign culminated in scoring the match-winning goal in the College Cup final, earning him the tournament’s MVP award and the 2011 Soccer America Player of the Year honors.
During his lone season in Minnesota in 2016, Speas was a mainstay in the midfield, recording four goals and four assists across 26 appearances. His ability to navigate tight spaces and unlock defenses made him a favorite among the “Wonderwall” faithful. Following the 2016 season, Speas continued his career in the USL with Indy Eleven and North Carolina FC before officially retiring in 2020 after a nine-year professional career.
Life after the pitch
Since hanging up his boots, Speas has successfully transitioned into the professional world in North Carolina. He currently manages a career as a claims supervisor in the insurance sector, applying the leadership skills he honed as a playmaker to the corporate world. Despite his busy professional life, he remains deeply connected to the beautiful game:
- Family life: Resides in Cary, NC, with his wife, Tricia, and their three children. His eldest son has already begun his own journey in youth soccer.
- Youth development: Speas serves on the coaching staff for the NCFC Youth academy, where he helps mentor the next generation of North Carolina talent, specializing in technical development for pre-academy age groups.
- Legacy: He remains a frequent guest at alumni events for both the Columbus Crew and UNC, recognized as a pioneer for homegrown players and a clutch performer on the national stage.
The Speas record in Minnesota
- NASL apps: 26
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 4
- Total pro appearances: 179 (Columbus Crew, Minnesota United, Indy Eleven, North Carolina FC)
