There's something missing in this story. So he is really, really good. LAG is not the only pro team and why didn't he play for Mexican professional team?
The story is incomplete and odd....
Didn't want to move to Mexico or have the resources to chase the dream down south ? Not easy for some families to pick-up/relocate, at that really young age maybe not been ready to go it alone.......
The cautionary take away; always have a back-up plan and put your education first.
At U18, its not that young and the story does not indicate what you've speculated. Family does not need to relocate and if playing pro is the objective, go wherever the opportunities are. Since he played for NT at various ages, the doors should open for tryouts at various pro teams.
Backup plan is always needed but to your other point, not everyone is wants higher education. It all depends on the individual's circumstance. American values say to put education first but it may not make sense for everyone.
The story is incomplete...
At U18, its not that young and the story does not indicate what you've speculated. Family does not need to relocate and if playing pro is the objective, go wherever the opportunities are. Since he played for NT at various ages, the doors should open for tryouts at various pro teams.
Backup plan is always needed but to your other point, not everyone is wants higher education. It all depends on the individual's circumstance. American values say to put education first but it may not make sense for everyone.
The story is incomplete...
We disagree. Who's talking about his whole life. That's nonsense. Of course at 19, his story is just starting. I'm talking about the article and article alone. I find it interesting that you have a need to defend the story...
No I did not miss that his grades were insufficient to qualify for CSUF. Its told as cause and effect or almost as an excuse for failure. I will note though that, the bar is not very high to get into Cal State system (especially for recruited athlete).
Exactly. You would think that a player as heralded and well-known as this guy, with USYNT callups on his resume should be able to get a tryout with at least a lower division American OR Mexican team. Is his mindset MLS or bust? Doesn't want to play overseas? Was his only pro opportunity at LA Galaxy? What about other MLS clubs? Work his contacts from inside US Soccer???
Good read. Sounds like he forgot to keep up the grades. Glad he is getting a second chance.