A few months ago, Frankie Amaya was a student at UCLA playing college soccer. In a few days, he could return to campus as a professional.
FC Cincinnati play LAFC on Saturday night. Like it does for all West Coast trips, the club will travel out a day early – to adjust to the time zone and, in this case, get time playing on grass since each of its first six games have been played on artificial turf.
Part of the team’s Los Angeles itinerary? A training session at UCLA.
“It’d be amazing to see all my friends there,” Amaya said. “Hopefully I can say ‘Hi.’ It’d just be amazing going back to that campus and saying hi to everyone that I know.”
If Amaya travels with the Orange and Blue, it’ll be a career milestone: he hasn’t traveled with Cincinnati for an MLS league match yet.
But, more significantly, Amaya will be going “home” as a pro for the first time. Amaya was FC Cincinnati’s No. 1 pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
Born in Santa Ana – a 45-minute drive south of LA – the 18-year-old grew up in the area and eventually became a Bruin. While Santa Ana is still his first home, Amaya said LA carries just as much significance and personal meaning.
“It’s definitely home,” he said. “I was there for quite a while. I know where to get around and everything out there. I’ve got friends and family out there. I consider it my second home.”
While FCC were on the clock to draft Amaya, LAFC made overtures to the Cincinnati contingent in hopes of trading up for the top pick. Cincinnati used its one timeout, discussed the trade, declined and then drafted Amaya.
It’s a moment that will be a minor footnote in the midfielder’s career, but Saturday night – when the clubs meet on the field and not on the SuperDraft floor – it could be special.
“For any player, anytime you get a chance to go back to your hometown or home area is a great opportunity,” Head Coach Alan Koch said. “Look at Spencer (Richey) in the first game. Going to Seattle was a special moment for him. If Frankie is chosen to go on this trip, it will be a great moment for him, too.
“Anytime you get to play in front of your friends and family or even just be there is a huge moment in a professional footballer’s career,” Koch added.
Amaya said he’s not looking that far ahead yet, however.
“It’s exciting to go back home, but I’m just focused on every day and what I do. Right now, I need to focus on the present. It’s going to training, doing my best there and working from that.”
When Amaya was drafted by FC Cincinnati, he stood on stage and told the audience, “I’m just a kid from Santa Ana.” Later, the mayor of his hometown wrote him a letter congratulating the teenager.
Amaya said he could have 50-60 fans at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday to watch his potential return if he travels. And then, if he plays, it would be his second appearance for the Orange and Blue. He made his pro debut on April 30 against Philadelphia Union.
