HARRISON, N.J. – Bradford Jamieson IV added another milestone to his already electric young career on Sunday as he scored his first career MLS goal in the LA Galaxy’s 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls.
Making just his second career start for LA’s first team, the 18-year-old found the back of the net in the ninth minute of play to help the Galaxy secure their second point away from StubHub Center this season.
The goal itself was a thing beauty as the confident young forward cut past Red Bulls defender Chris Duvall and midfielder Dax McCarty before launching a left-footed shot into the New York net.
The goal appeared to be right out of Robbie Keane’s bag of tricks, a fact that was not lost on Jamieson after the game.
“It was something that I watch Robbie do in practice where he uses that cut. It was second nature to me, I wasn’t thinking about it at all, I just knew that I was going to cut the defender,” Jamieson told reporters. “And when I went for the shot, I just placed it to the far post.
“It’s a huge compliment to see that his play is impacting a guy like me. That’s the whole point of having young guys play with Robbie is so that you can benefit from playing from an experienced player like that. I hope that I can keep learning things that he can teach me.”
Although the youngster was eloquent when describing the goal afterward, he admits that the shock prevented him from breaking out any his renowned celebrations that he’s displayed with LA Galaxy II.
“It was euphoria,” said Jamieson. “I didn’t know what to do so I just jumped up.”
For all the praise headed Jamieson’s way, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was quick to preach patience to those eager to hype up the teenager.
“He's doing well. Let's wait a while. Let's not get crazy like everybody does every time a young player does something right,” Arena told reporters. “This is a long haul in becoming a player. He's many years away from being where we would like him to be and where he's going to be so let's just be patient and see what happens down the road."
While Arena took a measured approach when discussing Jamieson’s sudden rise, fellow Homegrown star Gyasi Zardes has his own words of wisdom for the 18-year-old as he moves forward.
“I want to see him keep taking on defenders,” Zardes said. “Who cares if he loses the ball in the attacking half, it doesn’t matter. He just needs to keep using his speed because he’s blazing fast.”
No matter what anyone says about his development, Jamieson is determined to keep moving forward.
“I’m just going to keep riding this,” he said. “The next game is going to be even harder, and every game after that is going to be the same type of battle where you’re trying to impress fans and coaches, and keep your own confidence up. I want to be a lot more consistent and be a lot more dependable for the team.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
