While the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has won four World Cup titles, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is yet to win. The team has never even advanced to the final. Hence, the U.S. is preparing for the next World Cup by adding new young talents to the team.
One newest addition to USMNT is Jalen Neal. Jalen Neal’s mother played a huge role to help him reach such a milestone at a young age. In this article, we will discuss Neal’s mom’s endless encouragement and support for her son.
A Look Into Neal’s Family Life
Jalen Christopher Neal was born on August 24, 2003. His mother is Sarah E. Bowers-Neal, and his father is Mark Neal Sr. He was born in Lakewood, California, and has three siblings, his older brother Mark Neal, younger sister Maddie Neal, and brother Riley Neal.
Sportsmanship is in the Neal family’s blood. The whole family has an athletic background. Jalen’s brother Mark is a semipro soccer player, and his younger brother and sister play basketball and soccer.
Jalen Neal’s Mother Supported Him a lot
Jalen Neal’s mother, Sarah Neal, also played soccer in high school. When he was only three, Sarah recognized his talent for the game and sought ways to enhance it. So by 5, Neal was playing for the club U-8 team.
In order to make a successful career for her son, Sarah had compromised a lot for her kids as a single mother. Taking her son to practices and soccer tournaments was always her priority, and she went above and beyond to meet her son’s needs.
Jalen Neal’s mother and his whole family encouraged and supported him in his dream to be a soccer star. Neal is hopeful of doing his best and achieving greatness in soccer, whether it be a year, five years, or ten years from now.
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Paved The Way to U-20 World Cup And Olympics
Jalen can be termed an upcoming star in the world of soccer. He has shown his competency and potential in each of the matches he has played. Apart from the skills, he has an attitude that sure will benefit him in the long run.
Neal and Marcus Ferkranus helped the U.S. qualify for the 2023 U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. It will be U.S. first appearance in the Olympics since 2008.
This performance earned Jalen a selection to the all-tournament team, and it also convinced coach Greg Vanney that Neal has the potential to take on a much bigger role with the Galaxy in the future. Learn about goalie Gabriel Slonina who plays as a goalkeeper for Chelsea FC and the USMNT.
Road To USMNT
Neal joined LA Galaxy Academy in 2016 and appeared in the former U.S. Soccer Development Academy system. Later he played for the club’s USL Championship affiliate LA Galaxy II in 2020 and played 48 games before debuting for the U.S. Open Cup match in May 2022.
After almost 5 years of being a part of the LA Galaxy, on January 20, 2021, Neal finally signed with Galaxy and made his competitive debut for the club in May 2022.
The achievements came consecutively to Neal. Within a year of being signed to the club, he was called up for the United States national under-20 team. The years and years of hard work and determination came to fruition when Jalen was announced as one of the rosters for UNMNT’s annual January training camp.
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Neal debuted his first U.S. Men’s National Team against Serbia in Los Angeles in January 2023. The California native became the youngest player in LA Galaxy’s history to start for the senior national team.
Along with Neal’s family, we, too, are excited about Jalen’s USMNT journey. We will be rooting for his success and wish him a bright future ahead.
