Galaxy's Neal, Ferkranus continue U-20 bond

Jalen Neal and Marcus Ferkranus forged a friendship in the Galaxy Academy.

“We've played with each other since the U-15s in the Galaxy Academy,” Ferkranus said. “We're both signed with the Galaxy, we're roommates, that's like my brother. We're always there for each other.”

The duo signed to first-team contracts with the Galaxy in 2021 and have spent the majority of the season with Galaxy II in the USL. Last week, they helped the U.S. U-20 Men's Youth National team qualify for the 2023 U-20 World Cup and 2024 Olympic Games. It will be the first appearance in the

Olympics since 2008.

“It's always nice to have someone that you're around with every day when you come into these (national team) camps,” Neal said. “It makes you feel more comfortable in the environment and that may help you when you play.”

Neal, 18 and from Lakewood, scored a goal in five games during the tournament. Ferkranus, 19 and from Santa Clarita, made five appearances. The team allowed just two goals, both to Canada, during the tournament.

“I think that experience is really great for them,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “CONCACAF competitions are tough ...they're just different. They're different beasts.

“And you have to go to Honduras, in this particular situation or any of these (countries), it's just, there's a different level of learning that goes on, because it's not always 100 percent about soccer. So I think there's a lot of maturity and growth that can be had from that.”

Ferkranus, who had just four appearances with Galaxy II this season, found that out in the semifinal round against host Honduras in front of a crowd of 16,500.

“I felt like the guys on the team really thrived off of that type of energy,” Ferkranus said. “You know when you're playing Honduras in Honduras, there's going to be a huge game and I feel like we came out buzzing. It was definitely the largest crowd I played in front of and a moment I won't forget.”

Neal was selected to the CONCACAF Best XI for the tournament.

“Qualifying for the World Cup and the Olympics in a span of just a few days, has been unbelievable and a dream come true,” Neal said.

The road to the U-20 World Cup begins now as both players return home to resume their USL seasons.

“Applying what I've learned from this camp into the Galaxy environment,” Neal said regarding his next step. “Vice versa, I think, applying what I've learned from Galaxy into this camp or any national team camp has really helped me a lot because the principles are kind of the same, playing style is kind of the same also.

“Just doing what I always do and try to push for the highest I can be. Obviously the first team is a goal for anyone, so that's obviously the goal for me.”

Ferkranus was slowed by ankle and groin injuries early this season, but is looking to riding the momentum from the U-20s into securing a starting spot with Galaxy II, which would again, pair him up with Neal.

“I'm ready to get back to the club and get some more work in,” Ferkranus said. “I've learned a lot coming from the Academy. The more games I play and more time I spend on the field, the more ready I will be to make that step into the first team.”

Friday: Galaxy at LAFC, 7 p.m. ESPN