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En Route: U.S. U-17 forward Jack McBean refuses to commit to USA or Scotland
The LA Galaxy 16-year-old professional forward doesn't want to ruffle feathers but is keeping an open door to potential call from across the pond.
Jul 13, 2011 1:18:00 AM
By J.R. Eskilson
J.R. Eskilson
MILWAUKEE - Jack McBean, recently back from international duty with U.S. U-17 World Cup team in Mexico, did not want to comment on his national team future on Tuesday when asked about the rumors that he may represent Scotland instead. McBean is playing with the Galaxy U-16 academy team, as the Los Angeles outfit pushes for a first national championship at the Development Academy Finals Week in Milwaukee.
Goal.com caught up with the youngster following his team’s 4-0 win over the Dallas Texans and asked about the rumors.
“Yeah, my dad is from there [Scotland] obviously,” McBean said. “We always watched Scotland when I was growing up.
McBean followed with a hint he did not want to verbally commit to either side of the aisle.
“But I mean can’t really say anything about that,” he said.
The striker, who signed a deal with the Galaxy via the Home Grown initiative in January, saw limited time at the U-17 World Cup, with a lone appearance coming in the final game of the tournament.
“Bummed I didn’t get to play much, but it was a good experience with the guys,” McBean said about his time in Mexico.
The U.S. team crashed out in the Round of 16 to Germany, losing 4-0. McBean was an important piece leading up to the World Cup, contributing three assists in the 3-0 victory over Canada to clinch the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, but his minutes were limited at the World Cup.
After the World Cup exit, U.S. U-17 head coach Wilmer Cabrera called his players ‘immature’ in multiple interviews. Asked about the coach’s description, McBean said, “No comment,” with a laugh.
Moving forward, McBean noted that eventually he'd like to suit up in country colors again, without revealing which set.
“National teams are the highest honor you can get for any sport,” McBean said. “I would love to play on the national team again.”
The physical forward had a goal and an assist in the victory for the Galaxy on the day, which constituted an outstanding performance as a lone striker against four defenders and down a man for much of the second half.
With his combination of pace, strength and a nose for goal, McBean has the potential to develop into a star in the Galaxy organization over the next few years, and perhaps the international level.
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com's
page.
Goal.com caught up with the youngster following his team’s 4-0 win over the Dallas Texans and asked about the rumors.
“Yeah, my dad is from there [Scotland] obviously,” McBean said. “We always watched Scotland when I was growing up.
McBean followed with a hint he did not want to verbally commit to either side of the aisle.
“But I mean can’t really say anything about that,” he said.
The striker, who signed a deal with the Galaxy via the Home Grown initiative in January, saw limited time at the U-17 World Cup, with a lone appearance coming in the final game of the tournament.
“Bummed I didn’t get to play much, but it was a good experience with the guys,” McBean said about his time in Mexico.
The U.S. team crashed out in the Round of 16 to Germany, losing 4-0. McBean was an important piece leading up to the World Cup, contributing three assists in the 3-0 victory over Canada to clinch the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, but his minutes were limited at the World Cup.
After the World Cup exit, U.S. U-17 head coach Wilmer Cabrera called his players ‘immature’ in multiple interviews. Asked about the coach’s description, McBean said, “No comment,” with a laugh.
Moving forward, McBean noted that eventually he'd like to suit up in country colors again, without revealing which set.
“National teams are the highest honor you can get for any sport,” McBean said. “I would love to play on the national team again.”
The physical forward had a goal and an assist in the victory for the Galaxy on the day, which constituted an outstanding performance as a lone striker against four defenders and down a man for much of the second half.
With his combination of pace, strength and a nose for goal, McBean has the potential to develop into a star in the Galaxy organization over the next few years, and perhaps the international level.
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com's
page.
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