Soccer Beat: Determined McDougall earns spot on Cougars

Former Sacramento State goalkeeper Matt McDougall didn't get discouraged.

After nine games, his pro soccer career could have been over when he was cut in February by the California Cougars. Instead, the setback rekindled his determination. McDougall wanted to prove that he deserved a second chance in the Major Indoor Soccer League.

"I was just looking for an opportunity," he said, "and we got a national championship."

This summer, McDougall led the newly formed Stockton Pumas, the Cougars' minor-league affiliate, to the Premier Arena Soccer League summer title and was named tournament MVP. In the finals, he shut out the defending national champion Tacoma Stars 4-0.

"Matt McDougall was far and away the best player at the tournament," said Cougars head coach Bernie Lilavois, who also coached the Pumas. "He made save after save for us and kept the team in every game."

With more strong play in MISL camp this month, McDougall earned a new contract with the Cougars and was signed Monday. The Cougars start their third season Oct. 27 in Chicago.

Lilavois, who replaced Troy Dayak as Cougars coach, felt the goalie answered his challenge.

"When I first came on board, we had three keepers, so I had to choose one to take off our roster and I chose to release him," Lilavois explained. "I told him to work hard and we would see about next year.

"He took on the challenge, he stepped up and performed beyond expectations," Lilavois added.

McDougall, 24, will be the backup to Brazilian star Sanaldo, the Cougars' major offseason acquisition. In seven starts last season, McDougall was credited with a 3-3 record for the 7-23 Cougars.

"He's the perfect backup for Sanaldo," Lilavois said. "He's learning and should be a great keeper in this league."

McDougall graduated last year from Sac State with a business degree. He already sees big differences between this year's Cougars and last season's.

"It's night and day," he said during a recent practice. "Last year, guys arrived sporadically in camp, and we had maybe 20 players. This year, we had 50, 60 players in camp, and you really had to compete for your position. It shows the franchise is making strides."

National scene

Roseville's Mykell Bates, who captained the United States' squad last month during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, has another overseas assignment.

This week, the 17-year-old defender was chosen for the Under-18 national team to play in France's Limoges Tournament. The U.S. faces host France on Oct. 29, followed by Turkey on Oct. 31 and Scotland Nov. 3.

During the U.S. Soccer Development Academy's Fall Showcase, Sacramento's Amobi Okugo -- a 17-year-old midfielder -- helped the U.S. squad to a 3-0 win over Chivas USA's U-18 team Saturday in Carson. Okugo, who played every minute, earned an assist.

Along with Team USA head coach Bob Bradley, more than 50 college coaches were on hand to scout the elite talent.

About the writer:

• The Bee's Debbie Arrington can be reached at (916) 326-5514 or darrington@sacbee.com.