Andrew Carleton, a 16-year-old native of Powder Springs, made his professional debut last week in Atlanta United’s 4-1 victory over Houston.
He entered in the 86th minute to a raucous crowd and had one moment of excitement when he attempted to dribble away from DaMarcus Beasley. He didn't get away.
Carleton answered a few questions following Wednesday’s training session. The audio was provided by the team.
Q: What is it like for you having that first bit of MLS experience?
A: It was an awesome experience getting in my first MLS game. To feel the atmosphere and the speed of the game was awesome. I'm just working hard this week to get back in this weekend, keep the momentum going and hope for another win.
Q: Getting your first experience was one thing, but getting that experience, in your hometown?
A: I don't think there are words that can describe that moment. The fans were unbelievable and the atmosphere insane. They've been crazy all year long. I know us players enjoy really playing in that atmosphere. We hope we can keep it going for as long as possible.
Q: Give a sense of the focus it takes to play on this level at your age?
A: You have to be locked in day in and day out. You can't be locked in just on game day or the day before. You have to be locked in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and be able to show that coach can rely on you Saturday or Sunday, whenever he needs you in the game. If you can't show that you can do it in training then he's not going to expect you to do it on the weekend. You have to be locked in all week long and ready for the games.
Q: What kind of dedication did it take for you to get to this point through your teenage years?
A: It took everything I had. I chose as a 9-, 10-, 11-year old to not go to public school, to stay home-schooled so that I could train in the morning and then go home and do online school, and then train again at night. That kind of day-in, day-out dedication to keep working on my craft, keep working on my skills. It ends up paying off here now. It prepares you to be able to train here in the morning as well. I'm used to waking up and training.
Q: Do you feel like you are missing out on anything?
A: Going to prom and stuff like that would be cool but I'd rather play in front of 45,000 people on a weekend. I don't miss out on prom that much.
