In the 61st minute of Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Sunday afternoon clash with Sporting Kansas City, 22-year-old defender Javain Brown experienced a moment he will remember for the rest of his life - making his professional debut.
“When I got called over to come on, I was like, I’m fulfilling my dream, my dream has always been to play professionally and it came true. But once coach talked to me, I put all that aside and went on the field to try to execute what coach had told me”, recalls Brown.
Once he touched the ball for the first time, Brown knew his dream was well and truly underway.
“It was a great feeling”, said Brown. “Once I touched the ball, I was like, I’m in the game for real now and it was just all focus from there.”
The Jamaican international, who’s played for his country four times since making his debut for the Reggae Boyz against Trinidad and Tobago in 2017, was selected by Whitecaps FC with the 23rd overall pick at the 2021 MLS SuperDraft and agreed to an MLS contract back in February.
“It means a lot to me, not many people get an opportunity to play pro, especially in MLS, so I’m really grateful for the club for taking a chance on me”, said Brown.
“I really like the players here. When I got drafted, Andy [Rose] reached out to me just for me to feel welcomed to the team, I really appreciated that. I’ve been talking with Evan [Newton] just to get his experience, he’s been in the game for a long time. But each and every player here comes up to me to motivate me to be patient because football speaks for itself.”
Brown also gives plenty of credit to his mother for being there with him through the tough times and supporting him throughout his footballing journey.
“My mom has been there for me through the struggles, she always motivates me,” explained Brown. “She felt proud [after my debut], but I told her that’s just the beginning.”
Another big supporter of Brown has been his girlfriend, who’s currently living with him in Salt Lake.
“The first message after the game was from my girlfriend. She was back in Salt Lake and was proud of me, she told me to stay focused and to continue to work hard,” said Brown.
In fact, prior to leaving Utah for the match against Sporting, Brown’s girlfriend had told him she had a feeling he would make his ‘Caps debut.
That feeling turned into reality and to make the occasion even better, Brown’s debut landed on the same day as the couple’s two-year anniversary.
“It was a great accomplishment for me, she was very proud”, said Brown.
Looking towards his future, Brown couldn’t be happier to be a part of the ‘Caps and has an eye on helping the club achieve it’s goals.
“I’m really excited for my future here. Firstly, I didn’t feel pleased after the game [against SKC] because we lost. For me the team comes first, it doesn’t matter that I made my professional debut. I wanted the team to win, so going forward I’m trying to be a team player as much as I can - even on and off the bench, even if I’m not on the field”, said Brown.
“I really want to bring a championship to Vancouver. As a player that’s your goal, not just to play and collect money, you want to win titles and accomplish great things.”
Brown and the ‘Caps will now focus their attention towards their meeting with Western Conference side Houston Dynamo this Saturday, May 22. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on TSN1/4 and AM730, with the radio pre-game show starting at 5 p.m. PT.
