ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico men’s soccer recruit Ethan Zubak has signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS, foregoing his collegiate eligibility.
“I have very mixed emotions,” admitted head coach Jeremy Fishbein. “I’m extremely happy for Ethan that his boyhood dream has come to fruition….sooner than expected from our end. He was able to negotiate a tremendous contract which ensured both his college education and professional playing aspirations.”
Zubak, from Los Angeles, California, verbally committed to the Lobos as a junior, prior to signing his National Letter of Intent in February of 2016 as a senior. He chose New Mexico over local powers UCLA and UC-Santa Barbara. Zubak was a tremendous and well rounded recruit; his high schools valedictorian, a member of the US U-19 National Team and a member of the MLS LA Galaxy Academy Program. Zubak made his professional debut in August of 2015, making eight appearances with the Galaxy II of the USL, while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.
“This was a well thought out decision, as he turned down the initial Galaxy contract offer,” said Fishbein. “My job is to look after our program first and foremost, and Ethan’s decision to sign professionally does affect our program for the upcoming season, as we felt he would see time for us in the attack.”
Zubak was a top recruit for the Lobos, and in today’s climate of professional expansion, players of his caliber are a risk for collegiate programs. Lobo soccer takes great pride in developing players for the professional game and youth and senior national teams. Achieving this without sacrificing academic excellence.
“Our goal is to develop well-rounded men who will impact their communities, have fulfilling careers and who will be tremendous fathers and husbands” said Fishbein.
The Lobos are excited about the upcoming fall and have a strong nucleus of 18 returning players from last year’s squad and a dynamic incoming class. New Mexico is coming off a near-flawless spring exhibition season, where the Lobos played a road-heavy schedule against top squads and came out undefeated.
“I never count on a first-year player to make a major impact, so our outlook for the season remains unchanged,” stated Fishbein. “We have an outstanding returning group and expectations are very high. It would have been wonderful to work with Ethan, but we will now follow his success as a professional.”
Lobo Recruit Ethan Zubak Signs with L.A. Galaxy
