What began as a dream on the fields of Bell Gardens last winter turned into reality at The Home Depot Center on Sunday.
Jorge Flores, who won Chivas USA's Sueno MLS contest earlier this year, seemingly fueled countless other dreams when he made his professional debut against the New York Red Bulls.
The hard-working, soft-spoken 17-year-old came replaced Francisco Mendoza in the 74th minute of Chivas USA's 3-0 win and thus fulfilled his lifelong ambition of playing professionally.
"I was happy and a little bit nervous, happy because I was given the opportunity," Flores said. "I'm grateful to Preki and everyone on Chivas because he was the one who gave me the chance to make my debut."
Having a taste of game action gave Flores motivation to keep plugging along.
"From now on, I just need to continue working hard to make my mark," Flores said. "And from then hopefully I can fight for a permanent spot in the starting lineup, if possible."
Flores, though, has shown that anything is possible. A high school student at the start of the season, Flores was one of 2,000 who answered Chivas USA's call for an open tryout. He made it through round after round of the competition and stood out from a handful of talented youngsters.
In March, he was crowned Sueno MLS winner. Three months later, Flores accompanied Chivas USA's under-19 squad on a weeklong trip to Guadalajara, where he shined. Facing Mexican reserve and second-division sides, Flores finished with three goals and an assist in four games.
When he returned, Flores joined Chivas USA's full squad and signed a contract with the club in July. Now, he's a bonafide pro.
"It was a good debut," Chivas USA coach Preki said. "I thought he might even have a goal on his first touch. He comes in and he's not afraid to play and he takes people on."
Flores' first touch in senior competition resulted in a shot that whizzed by the right post as he ripped a 20-yard blast just wide of goal. Flores made some tackles, won some balls and made a good impression on his teammates.
"That's a good game for a young kid to come in," forward Ante Razov said. "The game's won, it's open and it's perfect for him to get his feet wet."
When Sueno MLS was going on, Razov said the players weren't necessarily paying too much attention to it but as Flores advanced through the ranks and eventually joined the team, the teenager eventually gained the respect of his teammates regardless of how he was identified.
"There is a gimmicky-type thing in the beginning with it and we didn't really react," Razov said. "But he's a quiet kid, he's very humble and every day he kind of won us over with his work rate. He works his butt off. Guys get after him and he just responds by playing harder and that's what you want out of a young kid. He doesn't seem to get a deer-in-headlights when someone has a go at him or when it gets really physical. He responds by playing harder and that's all you want out of a young guy."
Now that he's played in an MLS match, Flores said the entire process continues to be somewhat of a whirlwind for him.
"It's strange but I just have to thank God," Flores said. "This has all happened so quickly. In four months, I'm on top and I am very happy about that. It's a strange feeling and I can't really explain it."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
