No matter your age, you probably recognize the last name McQueen. Of course there is the legendary Steve McQueen, who was a famous actor from the 1950s to the 1970s before he died in 1980. Steve’s son, Chad, is known for playing Dutch in The Karate Kid and later as a major player in the racing industry. Chad’s son Steven R. McQueen is a TV actor, most famous for the CW’s The Vampire Diaries and NBC’s Chicago Fire. But Chad has another son who is trying to make a name for himself in a different career: Chase McQueen.
Chase is Steven’s half-brother, but he is no actor. That never interested him. Chase is a soccer player, and he has taken an unusual path to starting his career.
Due to his height (he now stands at 6’6”), Chase was thrown into playing basketball at a young age but soon turned to his favorite sport: soccer.
“I always loved soccer, I mean I have (the video game) FIFA 2000 in my room,” McQueen said. “There’s something about this sport that just ignites my insides.”
McQueen played goalie for Malibu High School in California, where former German pro Edi Mujic mentored him. For most U.S. high school athletes, college would be the next ideal step in their athletic career. Not for McQueen. He decided against college and hopped across the pond to England to pursue his soccer dream.
After some time playing for non-league teams in England, McQueen rolled his ankle in training, pulling and tearing ligaments. This would be a roadblock for some, but McQueen saw it as an opportunity to return to the United States.
“I wanted my doctors (back home) to do the surgery,” he added. “And I also thought U.S. soccer was on the rise, which is something I wanted to be a part of.”
The young goalie left England in December 2014, bringing immeasurable knowledge and experience with him.
After injury rehab and further training, Chase McQueen made his NPSL debut with FC Hasental this past weekend against Albion SC Pros. Chase recorded six saves in his debut for the Thousand Oaks, California side. His new coach Eric Warner was impressed.
“Chase stepped up in his NPSL debut. He had several big saves, which helped us take a point on the road against the conference leaders. He’s been patiently waiting for this opportunity and made the most of it.”
McQueen was interviewed by San Diego Sports Domination’s David Freker after the game, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Chase McQueen’s soccer career has taken many twists and turns with some speed bumps along the way, but he refuses to give up. The 21-year-old has one simple motivation.
“My desire is to be great,” he said. Here’s hoping he reaches his goals.
“This feels like a loss, to be honest with you,” McQueen said, “I’m proud of the boys and how hard we fought.”
Here is one of the great saves by @fchasental goal keeper @ChaseMcQueen from last nights @NPSLSoccer matchup. pic.twitter.com/EWktwozd0Z
— San Diego Sports (@SanDiego_Sports) June 19, 2016
