Junior Charlie Rosenthal, a standout student and soccer player, is the latest in a line of talent emerging from Costa. Recently promoted to Los Angeles Football Club Two, the second team for the prestigious LAFC soccer club, Rosenthal’s journey to success has been marked by dedication and perseverance.
“I’ve been playing soccer for as long as I can remember,” Rosenthal said. “It’s always been my dream to play at the highest level possible, and being a part of LAFC’s academy has been an incredible opportunity for me.”
On March 8th, Rosenthal was called up to play at the U-17 National ID Camp in West Palm Beach, Florida. It consists of 24 of the top-ranked players from teams all over the US. Rosenthal was the only player to come out of LAFC Academy and one of only 5 forwards in the entire country to make the camp.
“To be a part of the national team training camp is a huge honor for me, my family, and my club,” Rosenthal said. “I was lucky enough to play with the top players in the country, half of whom are already on professional contracts. This created a high-level environment that allowed me to learn and improve.”
While Rosenthal’s future remains unclear, he continues to seek interest from College programs as well as professional clubs. LAFC2 is part of the MLS Next Pro league, which was established in 2022, allowing young and developing players to sign a pro contract and earn a salary. However, players such as Rosenthal don’t have to be under contract, which allows them to keep their college eligibility. Unlike many professional leagues, players like Rosenthal can gain the experience of playing against pro-level competition without making a major commitment to foregoing their education.
“I joined LAFC as a 14-year-old kid and always had dreams of going pro, but as I have progressed through the academy it has helped me realize that my dreams aren’t too far away,” Rosenthal said. “My goal is to become a professional soccer player at the highest level possible. A long-term goal for me would be to play in the Premier League because it is the most competitive league, but in the shorter term I hope to make my professional debut by the end of 2024 with LAFC2.”
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