COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Jack McBean signaled his return to form in a major way in Wednesday’s victory over the Colorado Rapids.
McBean notched a brace as Los Angeles defeated the Colorado Rapids 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run to eight games. The 22-year-old’s tally in the 5th minute was his first since March 2013 and the first time in his seven-year Major League Soccer career that he enjoyed a multi-goal game.
Having come all the way back from the brink of retirement in the span of his goals, McBean couldn’t help but smile at his performance.
“I had a good season last season [with Galaxy II], and although it wasn’t on the main stage, I know what I can do,” McBean said. “It’s more a matter of my mindset and doing it myself rather than allowing people get in my head. It’s a process and something that I’m working hard on, and it’s good to get rewarded.”
McBean helped Los Angeles open the scoring in a remarkable way when he launched a 30-yard blast in the fifth minute that put the Galaxy ahead. The second tally was even more impressive as João Pedro swerved through the Colorado defense and then found McBean who backheeled the cross past a helpless Tim Howard.
For Onalfo, who has coached McBean from his teenage years in the MLS reserve league to LA Galaxy II to the first team, there was some measure of pride at his striker’s performance.
“He had some opportunities early on. He hasn’t had a ton of opportunities, but he scored in the open cup last week which gave him confidence,” Onalfo said. “He was waiting for his opportunities, and to his credit, he made the most of it. He pushes himself on me as a coach, and that’s what we want.
“Any player that we’ve developed through our organization, all of us should feel pride. Fans, our club, ownership, and certainly the technical staff because a lot has been put into it. That’s what we want to do. We want to develop from within and still attract world-class talent. It’s nice to see it’s starting to come together.”
After a phenomenal performance against the Rapids, McBean will now look to secure a regular place in Onalfo’s starting XI.
“I hope that it is [a turning point],” McBean said. “I hope that I can keep helping the team and do my job which is scoring goals.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
