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A toast to Jon Gallagher, a good Irish lad.
Let’s hoist a pint of Guinness, of course, to a wonderful career as a collegiate soccer player at Notre Dame, and for future endeavors.
The iconic Irish beer brand helped shape Gallagher’s career as the son of an executive who worked with the company. The family would pack their stuff and move onto the next business adventure frequently, taking Gallagher – originally from Dundalk, Ireland – to places like Singapore for two years, England and Jamaica.
It was a great learning experience not just culturally but for soccer.
“Different type of cultures,” he said. “Different types of people. Different styles of play. It’s helped me adapt to every type of challenge, including this one.”
That would be the 2018 MLS Player Combine, where Gallagher has been grinding it out with other top prospects in the ultimate ‘show me’ kind of eye test from coaches and scouts.
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The collegiate dossier on Gallagher is impressive. He played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy with Beachside SC, and had a nice run at Notre Dame with 39 goals and 15 assists over four seasons. Five of his 14 team-leading goals from 2016 were game-winners.
Previously, Gallagher landed trials with Juventus FC, Marseille, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers.
The dynamics obviously change in Orlando, in the scramble to set himself apart from the rest. Gallagher has already signed a senior contract with Major League Soccer.
“I’ve left it all it all out on the pitch every time,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have trying to prove myself, just like everyone else. I’ve even played out of position in the first two games as a midfielder-center. It’s something new but something I’ve been able to adjust to.”
His combine reviews in Orlando have been mixed, with some speculation that Gallagher could be in danger of falling out of the first round.
Whatever comes next, Gallagher has made good on a promise to his father; one that will keep his earning potential strong even after he walks away from the pitch. He has already earned a degree in business, specializing in management consulting.
“I value an education and so do my parents,” he said. “I made a promise to my dad that as long as he supported me chasing my dream. I had to promise that I would get my education at some point. Luckily enough, I got my degree in three and a half years.”