Living the Goal
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Newport Beach native Jack McBean talks with us about being the youngest soccer player to be signed by the LA Galaxy.
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Many teenage boys can only dream about growing up to become a professional athlete. Newport Beach native Jack McBean is living the dream.
At 16 years old, McBean is the youngest player to be signed by the LA Galaxy. McBean, who has been making the commute to Carson for training, was signed by the Galaxy as a Home Grown Player in January 2011. An alumnus of Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa, he was attending Corona del Mar High School when he was approached by the Galaxy for a spot on their team. Since being excused from school for soccer practice at 10 a.m. and traveling to away games is anything but ideal for the average high school student, McBean is now completing his high school education at an Orange County independent learning institution.
On October 23, McBean made his first official appearance on the field in an away game versus the Houston Dynamo. Wearing the white, gold and blue Galaxy uniform with number 32 emblazoned on the back below his surname, McBean played the game from start to finish as a forward. Although the Galaxy ended up losing the game, McBean made history as he scored his first MLS career goal and, in doing so, became the youngest Galaxy player to ever score.
Coast caught up with McBean after a training session at the Home Depot Center:
What motivated you to sign with the Galaxy at such a young age and so early in your soccer career?
The opportunity. It really seemed like an advantage for me. I’m still living at home and I’m still doing everything I used to do with my friends. It’s hard work, but it’s been great so far.
What was it like to transition from a high school soccer player to an MLS professional soccer player?
It was huge. Even from the club level, it’s a huge jump. The game is much faster, much more physical and much more intense, but it’s going well.
You’re sharing the field with big names like David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. What’s that like?
It’s crazy playing with all these guys I’ve watched growing up. It was unreal for the first few months training with them but it just becomes regular, which is weird to say.
Is there any advice any of them has given you that has stuck?
Every day all the guys, not just David and Landon, are trying to make me better. It’s been really helpful and I’m really appreciative of them all.
How did it feel to play your first game with the team and score your first goal as a Galaxy player?
It was an amazing experience to finally step on the field in a full stadium and in that great environment. It was awesome.
You were involved in the U-17 World Cup in summer 2011. What was that experience like?
It was super fun. It was a good experience playing with the best kids in my age group; it was an honor to be chosen for that. Unfortunately I didn’t play a lot in the tournament, but I think the experience was really helpful.
Living in Orange County, what are some of your favorite OC locations and hangouts?
Fashion Island is always good. Gulfstream down in Newport is one of my favorites for sure. I really like a lot of the places on PCH in Corona del Mar.
What’s next?
I’m just trying to take it slow. I want to take it one day at a time and see where it takes me.
