POMONA, Calif. - A former Cal Poly Pomona soccer player is going pro.
Justin Valashinas, a former defender on the men's soccer team, will play with the Los Angeles Blues, a professional soccer team from the United Soccer Leagues Professional Division (USL Pro).
“I grew up playing almost every sport,” said the 5-foot-10 athlete from Manhattan Beach, Calif. Soccer, however, was the one sport that stuck and it has been a lifelong goal to play professionally.
It was just one week after the last game of the 2010 season when Valashinas jumped at the opportunity to play professionally. Trevor Persson, an assistant coach with the Broncos, was able to help Valashinas get an opportunity to tryout.
The L.A. Blues liked what they saw and kept asking Valashinas to return. Soon after, Valashinas was signed.
“I really didn't believe it. I was amazed that I was given a shot. That's all I could really ask for,” Valashinas said.
"We are pleased with signing Justin,” said Charlie Naimo, vice president and head coach of the Blues. “He is a young local player that has already shown signs of being a great professional."