Take care, Jalen Neal
Monday morning, LA Galaxy fans said goodbye to a family member.
As first reported by Tom Bogert, center back Jalen Neal was acquired by CF Montréal for $650,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) and an international slot.
“Jalen exemplifies what it means to be an LA Galaxy Academy graduate, both as a professional and as a person,” General Manager Will Kuntz declared in a statement. “His progression from the Academy, to Galaxy II, to debuting with the Senior U.S. Men’s National Team, to being on the field for the final whistle of the MLS Cup final, speaks volumes to the potential of the Galaxy’s professional development pathway. But Jalen’s devotion to his local community and active engagement in service at such a young age is an even greater testament to the special character and human being that he is. We are indescribably proud of everything that Jalen has done for the Galaxy and for Los Angeles and wish him the greatest success as he takes the next step in his already remarkable career.”
For the out-of-towners wondering how a defender with 45 first-team appearances could receive a sending off on par with a club legend? As plenty of fans can attest, you only have to meet him once in person to get it.
Jalen Neal is one-of-a-kind.
Neal celebrating with teammates during El Trafico
photo courtesy la galaxy
On the field, a gifted modern center back who’s high soccer IQ and breaking line passes propelled a 19-year old Neal to his first US Men’s National Team appearance before his first start in MLS. Though injuries slightly derailed his progress, Neal has grown in the position enough to be rewarded with another call up by Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT.
Off the field, a kind, genuine soul with the heart of a lion. They say the highest form of love is consideration, and I’m struggling to think of a professional athlete more considerate than Jalen. The Two-Time Humanitarian of the Year has worked tirelessly to make his community a better place through volunteering, working with local organizations like Care Closet and building a mini-pitch in his hometown of Lakewood. (With a little help from Herbalife and the US Soccer Foundation)
In a world where good deeds are often used for content or clout, Neal is the real deal.
I tried to give Jalen the props he deserved at the mini-pitch opening but he wasn’t having it, lamenting the desire to do more before playfully joking about needing a bigger paycheck. Luckily Neal isn’t leaving LA as a prospect but an asset, and that pay raise is coming.
Rooting for Jalen Neal is easy enough, but how often do you get to see a young man grow up on the pitch right in front of your eyes? Not just as a pro, but a person? I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say Jalen had 25,000 family members pulling for him every match at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The latest El Trafico personified Neal’s overall growth. Ruthlessly exposed by Denis Bouanga twice early on for goals, the 21-year old came storming back in resilient fashion and shut down the 2023 Golden Boot winner throughout the second half.
Things came to a crescendo when Bouanga attempted to draw a penalty on Neal following minimal contact. As the LAFC attacker protested, Neal snarled “Get your b*tch ass up” and Bouanga stormed towards him, grabbing his jersey. On a yellow card, Neal was smart enough not to retaliate, the two were separated and the Galaxy go on to win 4-2.
Jalen’s turn at the mike during the Championship Celebration
When the news came out a tidal wave of heartfelt posts came pouring in from the Galaxy Community throughout the day, a bittersweet reminder that the Galaxy Community is one big family results be damned. (See: The Boycott)
Jalen Neal will always be Galaxy family.