REGISTER FOR GALAXY II TRYOUTS
CARSON, Calif. – Javier Moran’s career path was headed in a much different trajectory before the teenage midfielder from the San Fernando Valley entered in the LA Galaxy II tryouts.
A star at St. Genevieve High School, where he tallied 63 goals and 25 assists in just 33 games, Moran's numbers were certainly great, but not enough to draw attention from four-year college programs. Then, in February, the 5-foot-5 central midfielder was one of two players chosen from more than 500 applicants to spend a week with Galaxy II during their preseason training camp.
After Moran won the chance to train with Los Dos and found his way onto the Galaxy Academy’s Under-18 squad, things changed for the teenager.
“I was initially planning to go to community college,” Moran told LAGalaxy.com. “But once I won the Galaxy II tryouts and played with the Galaxy Academy, the coaches at Cal State Northridge called my high school coaches. Then we started the process for me to attend the University.”
The week training with Los Dos head coach Curt Onalfo’s team was a transformative time in the 17-year-old’s life, as he received his first opportunity to train with a professional setup. Immediately following his time with Galaxy II, Moran was invited to join the Galaxy U-18 team where he tallied three goals in 12 matches for the squad.
Although Moran’s time with the Galaxy is complete, the midfielder will never forget his year within the club’s setup.
“I was so happy that I got picked from the tryouts, especially since I was one of the youngest and smallest players. I was in awe the whole week with Galaxy II. Me and my dad call it ‘the week,’” Moran said. “My grandfather cried a couple of times and so did my dad because we were just in awe.”
“My time with the Academy was a very fun experience as well. They gave me my first opportunity to travel to a game, and I got the chance to see just how good some of the talent in Southern California is, while also meeting new people.”
Moran is slated to join the Matadors in the spring semester after he completes one final high school class. The attacker will be eligible to play in competitive matches for Cal State Northridge in the fall of 2016.
As he prepares to begin his college career, Moran is grateful for the opportunity that he earned by winning the Galaxy II tryout.
“It’s great because it works for the Galaxy, who can find a new player, and for the community as well,” said Moran. “It gives players a chance to shine in front of Galaxy coaches and have an opportunity to live their dream.”
Galaxy II will hold three tryout sessions once their USL campaign is completed: December 12-13, 2015 in Las Vegas, January 23-24, 2016 at StubHub Center, and January 30-31, 2016 at StubHub Center. Prospective applicants can find all the necessary registration information at www.LAGalaxy.com/tryouts.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
