HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui native Tommy Musto on Wednesday became the first Hawaii-born player to sign with the Los Angeles Football Club.
“The best thing I ever did was believe in myself,” Mast told Hawaii News Now.
The Makawao native always wanted to be a professional soccer player, and now that dream has come true.
Growing up in Valley Isle, Mast discovered his love of soccer through his family.
The midfielder joined LAFC's second team last August.
The 20-year-old has started all nine games this season and provided three assists, but his dream has always been to move up the table.
“Any time I've come to the second team, the goal is always to get to the first team, so I've always tried to focus on doing the best I can,” Musto said.
He accomplished that goal and made his first team debut on 21 May.
About a week later, LAFC officially signed him to a one-year contract.
This is a dream come true for him as well as for his family.
“The most exciting part for me was just letting them know. It was an accomplishment for me but also an accomplishment for my family and that made me very proud,” Musto said.
Musto is the 13th Hawaii-born player to join the league and the first for LAFC.
Athletes from the island could be at a disadvantage, he says.
“You have to look for opportunities. I'm from Hawaii and I've traveled all over the country. My family has spent a lot of money and made a lot of sacrifices, so opportunities don't just come to you when you're in Hawaii. You have to seize the opportunities for yourself,” Mast said.
Though those opportunities were limited, Mast values his time spent with Hawaii Tech Academy and Rush Soccer Club.
Mast wants to build a bridge between Hawaii and the mainland for local children.
“I hope that by me doing this, it will give more opportunities to kids in Hawaii. I believe there is already a treasure trove of talent in Hawaii that is being overlooked, so I'm trying to bring more attention to it,” Musto said.
LAFC will face FC Dallas on Saturday at 4:30pm HST.
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