Editorial (March 16, 2018) – Last weekend, rookie striker Niki Jackson scored his first goal in Major League Soccer, just one minute and 22 seconds after subbing into the game. He’s already made two appearances in official competition for Colorado Rapids, surpassing all expectations for a SuperDraft 4th Round draft pick. But he still has a long way to go.
Elbow Grease and Swagger: Striker Niki Jackson is Working Hard and ‘Not Afraid’
Jackson was drafted 72nd overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. He was the fifth of five Colorado Rapids picks and didn’t come into preseason with a lot of hype. That didn’t seem to bother Jackson. He came into camp with a chip on his shoulder.
Earning his spot:
“I went to a smaller school, Grand Canyon University. We weren’t a big name school so I had to work harder just to get drafted. But I told myself getting drafted is just the beginning. If I get the opportunity to do what I do, they would decide. I performed and they loved me,” the 22-year-old told Last Word on Soccer.
Head Coach Anthony Hudson noticed his hunger and determination almost immediately.
“Niki came in and wasn’t really on my radar. He impressed us in training. He’s got a bit of an edge. He’s not afraid, even around the senior players in training. After the first week or two, the conversations among us was ‘we’ve got to keep him another week. We’ve got to sign him.’ He’s done really well,” Hudson said this week after training. And sign him they did.
Scoring his first goal with swagger:
Jackson scored his first professional goal last Saturday, and was one of the quickest substitute debut goals in league history. Call it cockiness, prophecy, or swagger. Jackson went out there expecting to score.
“I was talking to Chad, our fitness trainer on the sideline, and he said ‘who do you think is going to score a goal.’ I said ‘if I get subbed in, I’m going to score.’
Right before I got subbed in, Hudson came over and said ‘have some fun out there, score a goal.’ I went out there and it happened so quick, I’m glad I got it.”
Combine Jackson’s workman approach to getting this point with his staff filling him with confidence, and he ran onto the pitch like Aragorn II at the Battle at the Black Gate.
Improving every day:
As Hudson said, Jackson still has a long way to go. He’s getting fit and learning more everyday. Even though he scored at New England Revolution, he committed the foul that led to the set piece winner. He’s come a long way already, but this is just the beginning.
“I’ve got to just keep doing what I’m doing,” Jackson said. “Got my first goal, practice is going well, so I’ve just got to keep working hard and going at it. I’ve already grown a lot as a player just working with him [Head Coach Anthony Hudson]. I’ve been working with [Assistant Coach] Conor [Casey] a lot as a striker, moving off the ball. It’s been really good working with Conor.”
Hudson likes what he sees so far, but he’s still got a lot to learn, including the little details.
“We’re trying to teach him his role: playing up top with someone. He definitely has all the attributes to be a really good striker, especially the way we want to play. We’re trying to keep him fit. He still needs some work. He’s a really bright prospect.”
Staying fearless and hungry got Jackson has taken him further than most expected. And he’s just getting started.
