CARSON, Calif. – Jack McBean is five years older than when he first joined the LA Galaxy in 2011 as a promising 16-year-old and is at least several pounds of muscle heavier, although he jokingly insisted it was more like “a couple.”
The added weight came in handy for the native of Newport Beach against the big, physical Colorado Rapids on Wednesday at StubHub Center and he acquitted himself well in a 0-0 tie in front of 21,884.
McBean, who signed with the first team earlier in the day and was making his first start with the parent club since October, 2013, kept to his low-key nature by saying he felt he was adequate.
“I think I did OK, definitely room for improvement,” he said. “I think I worked pretty hard out there.”
He had been a mainstay with the Galaxy’s reserve team, LA Galaxy and led the USL this season with 12 goals this season. Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni had gotten to know McBean when he was a member of the Galaxy in 2013 and admitted he did a double take when he saw the Galaxy roster announced for Wednesday’s match. He said he was impressed with the 6-foot, 175-pounder.
“I think he was energetic and real mobile,” he said. “He’s improved quite a bit as a player.
“It’s great to see he gets rewarded with an opportunity.”
McBean will likely get more chances, considering the Galaxy is missing Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes, who have combined for eight goals and are with their respective national teams (Ireland and the United States). The Galaxy also have not scored since the 58th minute of a 3-2 loss at Montreal on May 28 and McBean’s physical presence could provide the offense a much needed lift. Mike Magee knew the challenge McBean was facing against the Rapids, who have allowed a league-low 11 goals.
“I thought he did well tonight,” Magee said. “I played forward when we played against Colorado (a 1-0 loss on March 12) and those backs are big and strong.”
Rapids central defender Axl Sjoberg, for example, is a 6-7, 210-pounder.
“Jack’s great in front of the goal,” Magee continued. “He works hard, he draws fouls and he’s big and strong.”
Said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, “I think Jack had a good game. He made a bunch of good plays. We were thinking of taking him out actually but he continued to play well.
“For his first game with us this year he was very good.”
Steven Gerrard, a second-half substitute who was making his first appearance since the loss to Montreal because of a sore hamstring, called McBean “an honest striker.”
“Unfortunately he never got many clear chances,” he said. “But he’s been doing exceptionally well with the second team and he deserved this chance tonight.”
McBean said his preparation won’t change, despite the fact added playing time figures to be in his immediate future with Keane and Zardes unavailable.
“I go out there every day with my head down working hard,” he said, “trying to get better.”
