SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Professing he will continue to "keep his head down and continue to work hard", former Bronco goalkeeper Larry Jackson '13 signed to work as a goalkeeper for the MLS's New England Revolution this past week. Jackson was named the 2012 West Coast Conference Goalie of the Year at Santa Clara and to the 2012 Continental Tires NSCAA All-Far West Region Third Team.
Jackson stayed the course to make an MLS roster, playing the preseason with Chivas USA and also playing some last year with Colorado Rapids as their third goalkeeper. "It's been a long road, on so many teams and try-outs, so it's great to end up at a place like this," said Jackson.
Jackson is excited about this opportunity and said the coaches and staff are amazing. "There is so much heart and dedication here. Everyone has been great so far," said Jackson. "I have been training so hard in the past couple of years, at so many levels, so it's so rewarding to have signed here."
"In his time here at Santa Clara University there were many challenges Larry had to rise up to meet," said Bronco head coach Cameron Rast. "He stayed true to his commitment to play at the professional level after earning his degree. It was a long journey for him but we are very pleased Larry has found a home in the MLS with New England. The environment will allow him to train and compete at a great level on a regular basis and we look forward to watching his future development and success."
Jackson said he has no expectations for play and will continue to work every day to improve each aspect of his game in the box. "I want to work to be consistent every day, to show my teammates and my coaches constant improvement. You can't be complacent on an MLS team. Whenever they call me to play, I want to be ready."
"We have been working very hard over the last year to help Larry maintain his sharpness," said Bronco associate head coach Eric Yamamoto. "We have continued to keep the door open for Larry by getting him to trainings and tryouts all over the United States and in Europe. He is a great example of how many of our players excel in the game and in life, by persistence, hard work and continued belief in their talent. Larry is a huge talent and has the potential to play the game at the highest of levels. This step for him is just the next rung in the ladder to get him to be a regular first team player at a top professional league."
His senior year Jackson played and started in 18 of SCU's 19 games, posting an 8-2-1 record in league play. He led the WCC with a 0.70 goals against average and six shutouts in league play in 2012. Logging nearly 1,7000 minutes, he had 60 saves his senior year and led the team to an 11-5-1 record with seven shutouts.
"I learned so many things from the Santa Clara coaches," said Jackson. "For one, I will keep my head down and continue to work hard every day. At this level, you may never get feedback. But I need to continue to get better and be ready when they call me."
"We are very proud of what he has done and especially proud at how far he has come since initially stepping foot on campus. To come away with a degree from Santa Clara University and now signing a Major League Soccer professional contract, this is what SCU Bronco soccer is about," added Yamamoto.