Goalkeeper Max Watkin walked across the field as he has done so many times in his young soccer career, but it wasn’t the soccer field he was used to.
For the next 45 minutes, Watkin made his dream come true playing at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., home of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy.
His opponent? The LA Galaxy alumni team with notable players such as Cobi Jones, Alexi Lalas and Mauricio Cienfuegos. With his team trailing 2-1 at halftime, Watkin was inserted into the game and made his way to the goalie box where he took in the atmosphere, the fans, the opponent and the once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Watkin, a 17-year-old Malibu High senior, represented the LA Galaxy Under-18 Academy team in a friendly match on May 25 and demonstrate why he was invited to be a part of the LA Galaxy youth academy program. Watkin made several saves and did not allow a goal in the 2-1 loss.
As the final whistle blew to end the contest, Watkin walked off the field with his head high, realizing what a special moment he had experienced.
“If you asked me if I was going to do that a year ago, I would have never been able to imagine that,” Watkin said. “Being able to play in a stadium on a field that I’ve watched so many times was a great opportunity and a great memory for me.”
Watkin played a major role in Malibu’s success this past season as the Sharks won a league title for the first time since 2008. At the conclusion of the season, Watkin was invited to be a part of the prestigious LA Galaxy youth academy and has been playing for the Galaxy U-16 and U-18 developmental teams since March.
“I was so relieved that all the hard work and training actually paid off,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to be on such great teams.”
He has been training with both teams Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Watkin credits Galaxy U-16 head coach Michael Munoz, goalkeeper coach Ruben Messina and Malibu coach Julian Wright for his growth as a player.
“I have developed a lot as a player being able to play with the great players on the academy team. Being able to train with such amazing coaches has really helped me too,” Watkin said. “I have improved a lot. It’s been a growing experience for me. It’s been humbling as well, being around all these great people.”
Watkin has played with and against some of the most talented and respected players and teams in the world.
He traveled with the Galaxy U-18 to the Dallas Cup, the most celebrated youth tournament in the world, and competed at the Cotton Bowl in the ‘Super Group,’ the highest division of the Dallas Cup.
Watkin also participated in Generation Adidas in Dallas with the Galaxy U-16 during the same two-week period.
Recently, Watkin traveled with both teams to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs. The U-18 team was eliminated but the U-16 team went 3-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals. They will matchup on Tuesday, July 8, against Michigan’s Vadar U-16 squad at the StubHub Center. The winner of the quarterfinal game advances to Finals Week at the StubHub Center July 17-19.
Watkin’s commitment to play for the Galaxy Academy includes games against other MLS Academy teams across the country throughout the 2014-15 calendar year. The only setback in this great opportunity is that Watkin will not be able to play for Malibu High next year. The academy season conflicts with the high school soccer season.
“It’s sad not being able to play with my friends anymore but in the long term with me wanting to play professional soccer when I’m older it’s definitely better for me,” Watkin said. “The training and experience that I’m getting now is priceless compared to anywhere else. It’s probably the best training I could get in California.”
