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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 23, 2016)
SPORTS BY KILLIAN DOHERTY A EUGENE SOCCER STAR SLOWLY RISES I ’ve occasionally questioned the adage that patience is a virtue, but Brian Rowe has proven its wisdom — at least in the context of pursuing a professional soccer career as a goalkeeper. The route Rowe took from playing youth soccer here in Eugene to playing at the highest level of professional soccer in North America was somewhat slow and sinuous, but his patience and perseverance have paid off. Growing up in Eugene, Rowe played several sports — including football, track and golf (as well as soccer) at South Eugene High School. With the encouragement and insight of coaches Colin McMillen and Anthony Latronica, Rowe began considering playing collegiate soccer as a goalkeeper. Having played with the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and having attended several goalkeeper camps, Rowe put himself in good position to play at a top college program. His longtime teammate from American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) soccer and friend from Roosevelt Middle School, Ryan White, helped persuade Rowe to play for UCLA’s college program, where they got to compete together once again. UCLA’s soccer program is one of the best in the coun- try, and Rowe didn’t secure a full-time starting position until his fourth year. He said it was difficult, at times, to watch the matches from the bench; he had moments of doubt and questioning whether he chose the right school, and even briefly considered trying out for UCLA’s football program as a kicker. Eventually Rowe earned his starting position between the goalposts and helped lead UCLA to the Final Four after wasn’t available. In his first three sea- sons with the Galaxy, Rowe estimates that he played about 10 full matches — and never more than two consecutively. In this year’s season opener, Rowe found an immediate opportunity to play when the Galaxy’s starting goalkeeper, Dan Kennedy, was injured early in the first half. Rowe has remained in the Galaxy’s goal box ever since and has proven himself to be one of the best goal- keepers in the league. In the 2016 regular MLS season, Rowe had the highest save percentage of any keeper to play a majority of the sea- son (or 2,000 minutes) and the lowest Goals Against Average (GAA) of any keeper playing at least 30 matches, at 1.10. Rowe also ranked third in the league for most shutouts (9) and third for most saves (113 saves of 148 shots faced — many less than the only two keepers with more saves this season). It’s no wonder the website Total MLS recently selected Rowe as “Goalkeeper of the Year.” While the Galaxy’s season and playoff hopes ended Nov. 6 after a dramatic penalty shootout in which Galaxy’s veteran offensive players failed to put the ball in the back net three out of their four attempts, it was undoubtedly a successful and rewarding season for Eugene’s rising soc- cer star. Eventually Rowe earned his starting position between the goalposts and helped lead UCLA to the Final Four. winning their conference without losing a match. The Los Angeles Chivas drafted Rowe to play in the MLS in 2012, but that club ultimately chose not to sign him. Rowe ended up with several different MLS teams as a backup goalkeeper until the Los Angeles Galaxy finally signed him later that year. Once again, however, Rowe was watching most of his team’s matches from the bench, only getting an occasional opportunity to play when the Galaxy’s starting keeper 24th ing Day - Friday, Nov. th International Buy No 7th Year! Closed Bicycle Friday friends, to ay while riding to visit iving. Enjoy Bicycle Frid ksg p? Buy an sho Th st er Mu aft n. ay dow Frid We’re closed type of sunshine rains r eve ich wh in k ! soa ing to buy coffee, lunch, or just d to limit the impulse there to reduce stress an locally. Consider biking $100 Gift Cert. – Only $79 thru Nov. 30! 2705 Willamette St • 541.484.5410 Mon.–Fri. 11–7, Sat. 10–6, Sun. 12–5 SPRINGFIELD EUGENE Black Friday Open House/Fundraiser November 25th • 11-3 pm • Historic Mims House • 330 High St. • Purchase T-shirts • Become a Member • Enjoy Hot Chocolate & Sweet Potato Pie • Tour One Of The Oldest Houses In Eugene • Visit The Mims Memorial With Family The NAACP stands as a commited community partner dedicated to equality & dignity for all people. As the oldest, most cussed and discussed social justce organization in the World, we call on all people to join us in holding up what is best for all people, love, and tolerance. Join the association today! Power comes through numbers. Support Social Justice & Multicularlism! Eugene Tues., Nov 29 th - 5 :30 pm Eugene Public Library ~ Singer Rm ~ 100 W 10th Ave. 1-877-MEDITATE (Talk given by a local speaker) Sant Baljit Singh S pirituality Sant Mat The path of inner Light and Sound The goal of Sant Mat is to enable the soul to return and merge into its source; the purpose of human life described by mystics of all traditions. Admission Free www.santmat.net eugeneweekly.com • November 23, 2016 13
