No Goals, No Glory: Young Player Learns Life Lesson On The Field

Every Sunday, 11-year-old Lucas Rosales wakes up at 7 a.m. for his big soccer game in the city of Coachella.

He goes to the washroom, brushes his teeth and opens the mouthwash bottle with child-resistant cap easily.

He rinses and washes his face.

Like clockwork, the young “striker” heads to the kitchen for some breakfast. He pours some warm oatmeal and serves some juice. After finishing his meal, he puts on his uniform.

Like a soldier, he makes sure he tucks in his jersey. He grabs his black socks. First, the left sock and then the right. He ties his shoelaces. It is 7:40 a.m., and he is ready.

Lucas is like many young amateur soccer players his age. The only difference: he got ready using one arm, a physical challenge he’s lived with since birth. The disability, however, has not been an obstacle or affected his coordination. He is considered one of the best players in the Coachella Valley.

“I want to live my dream,” said Lucas. “I’m going to play for Chivas U.S.A. at the Home Depot Center.”

Lucas said his love for the game originated after his father, Octavio, took him to a Chivas U.S.A. match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

“My wife was concerned. Just like any other mom,” Octavio said. “As a father I thought, ‘Why not?’ At some point, he had to face social issues.”

Within days, Lucas joined a local team in Coachella and followed a path that would lead him to glory.

Lucas and his family were recently invited by Chivas U.S.A. to meet his hero, star defenseman Jonathan Bornstein. Both Southern California natives found out they have a lot in common.

Both even faced-off on the field. Bornstein told him to continue scoring goals and to never give up his dream.