He needed the change of scenery. I’m not saying he was too comfortable in Chicago but I think he needed a different environment to bring out the best in him.
After Creighton University, Owen O’Malley made history by becoming the first SuperDraft selection for St. Louis City SC in MLS.
However, he was released a year later and had to go back down to non-professional level because no clubs wanted him.
He has advice for young players.
“Your first opportunity is not always going to be your last,“ O’Malley said.
“I think that a lot of players, when they get turned down at first, it's a big heartbreak. Especially at the pro level, not getting that first contract is tough.
“Obviously, for me, it was different when I got drafted, I did get that contract coming out of college, but then again after that was over, I was in a tough spot, and no team wanted to sign me.
“So there is that point where I know no team wanted to sign me, and I had to go back down to USL League Two [semi pro league], and prove myself again.
“I think a lot of people would maybe give up or retire in that situation. I think it was just mentally hard on me to go back down to non-professional soccer after signing the MLS contract.
“I just took it as best as I could, and I went into the season in Vermont, and just tried to be the best person I could be off the field and on the field to help those guys, because I was there one day, and I had aspirations of playing in MLS and playing pro.
“I think that just like helping those guys in Vermont, and helping them not make the same mistakes I did to end up where I was, I think was a huge, a huge thing for me, and it helped me grow a lot.
“[Being released from St. Louis] was definitely the lowest spot I've been in my soccer career, for sure.
“And I think I've struggled with mental stuff across soccer my whole life, whether it was in college, at the MLS level, or you know, now in USL, and I think that it just helped me mature a lot, and it made me the person I am today, and I'm grateful for it.
“I wouldn't change anything or anything that happened the way it did. I learned a lot, and I'm grateful for where I am now, and I'm a happy person, and I go into every day trying to be the best person I can be.
“But I would say that, like, I was in a very dark place, I went and played in the MASL for two months, because I didn't have a team. Many people don't even know what the MASL is, you know, it's an indoor league.
“No team wanted to give me opportunity, so I made a decision to go back to Vermont, and you know, use that as motivation to get back where I wanted to be.
“Obviously USL League One isn't where I want to be, but I think it's the next step for me to get to where I want to be, and I'm lucky enough to be here in Richmond, and I'm grateful for that.”
Now 24, O’Malley spent last season at Vermont Green in USL League Two, helping them win the Championship.
This year, he’s back in the pro level with Richmond Kickers in USL League One.
It’s great to see him not give up on his dreams. 👏🏾
[via United Soccer Lounge with Riley James on GOLZ TV]
Since Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin's interim head coach:
-Became the first-ever female coach to win a match in Europe's Top 5 Leagues
-Got her second win today in dominant fashion in her final match
-Ensured Union Berlin's Bundesliga survival
What a job she's done 👏
After four years full of challenges and hard work, it's time to move on.
I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. 4 seasons, 3 championships.
I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days.
Catalonia is my place on earth.
Thank you to everyone I met along the way during these beautiful four years.
A special thank you to President Laporta for giving me the chance to live the most incredible chapter of my career.
Barça is back where it belongs.
Visca el Barça. Visca Catalunya 💙❤️
@fcbarcelona
🚨 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso has accepted to become Chelsea next manager, HERE WE GO! 🔵🔜
The agreement is set to be completed.
#CFC prepare official announcement for the upcoming days, but Xabi said YES. 💣
Stephen A. Smith’s FIRST assignment as a sports reporter was covering soccer at Wake Forest 🤝
He didn’t know much about soccer back then, but the head coach and the rest of the team made sure he learned everything about the beautiful game ⚽️
⭐️🇫🇷 16-year-old Meziam Mesloub has sent Lens to the Champions League… with his first ball ever as pro football player.
The academy talent scored the winning goal against Nantes just 5 seconds into his Ligue 1 debut, securing the club’s qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Skip Bayless will join Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take this Friday, marking the first time the two have appeared on the show together since June 2016, per @FOS.
The reunion of Smith and Bayless on First Take is described as a “one-time show.”
NEWS: No. 1 player in the 2028 class, AJ Williams, has agreed to a two-year, $4.8M NIL deal with Duke, sources tell me.
The deal will compensate the 16-year-old during his junior and senior years of high school before enrolling in college.
MLS has contracted executive headhunters to search for commissioner Don Garber's replacement once his 27-year tenure comes to an end.
A few well-known names have emerged—but with big-growth ambitions, they’d better get it right.
More from @Ourand_Puck: https://t.co/d2bVFfoENv
Updated our USL CBA story with some details:
- Runs through 2030 with trigger for 2031
- 12 month contracts, up from 10
- $42,000 minimum compensation (salary + housing)
- All players get health insurance
- New group licensing & prize money
https://t.co/MoE4L643JR
Had the honor of speaking to 115 fourth graders at Sunnyside Elementary last month.Talked discipline & hard work in sports, but reminded them the real goal is becoming the GOAT in their own lives. Loved every minute, if you need a speaker for your class, team, or group, DMs open!
A new era begins.
We are proud to announce a strategic investment by global investment firm KKR and the formation of Hometown Soccer Holdings, focused on growing our sport and our league.
New club brands, new stadiums, enhanced matchday experiences. This is the next phase of growth, and we could not be more excited.
Details: https://t.co/v3lCdRJGYv
🚨Some high level thoughts on the impact of the 5 in 5 #NCAA eligibility which has a very strong likelihood of getting passed and the impact on Women's College Soccer.