A Few Words With Van Nuys' Tristan Bowen of the Galaxy
Los Angeles native Tristan Bowen took a different route to becoming the first youth player signed by an MLS club to professional terms than you might expect.
Bowen played soccer at Chatsworth High in the ninth grade, but after that was home schooled. Mentored by his uncle Hugh Carter, Bowen played soccer in Brazil between the ages of 14 and 16 making maybe a dozen or so trips to attend camps held by pro teams such as Corinthians and the like.
He became the first player at age 16 in March 2007 signed to the Galaxy's new youth Rios program after a tryout and last year signed a professional contract.
An engaging and articulate youngster, I had anticipated one of your regular Q&A sessions, but frankly it took some time to get his background straight at what is his first preseason camp as a professional.
So here's a (much abbreviated) version of our conversation:
Question: What did you think about making MLS history when you signed to professional terms?
Answer: It was pretty exciting. Just to be a professional at all is a major deal for me and to be the first one to come through the system was great. The family was excited. Everybody was excited for me and I couldn't be happier.
Q: Where do you like to play best?
A: My preferred position is up top or on the wing. There's space on the wings. I can utilize my speed a little more, go one v. one.
2 Comments
Leave a comment
About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Hi!
My name is Lilly Hernandez and I just wanted to say that I am very proud for what Tristan has accomplished! He has been such an inspiration to me and has been my best friend for a few years now. Please send him luck from me and lots of love. Thank You!!
-Lilly
Damn kid I really can't believe it - you're there. It's crazy how I always saw you and Gio making it pro I still remember playing high school with u and Travis but yeah lots of luck we all gotta lots of love for u back here congrats again, man. Signed Brandon Chavez.