The L.A. Galaxy midfielder loves the game, but loves family time just as much.
by Ron Epstein
Leonardo, left, holds Marcelo Sarvas’ son Lucas while Sarvas gives an interview on the field. PHOTO BY ADAM SERRANO/L.A. GALAXY
Marcelo Sarvas is a gifted midfielder for the L.A. Galaxy. Born in Brazil, he played professional soccer in Sweden, Poland and Costa Rica before joining the Galaxy in 2012. He’s played with and against some of the best players in the world, but ask him who he enjoys hanging with today and he’ll quickly tell you it’s his son.
“He’s always with me, training, in the locker room, after the games,” Sarvas says of 5-year-old Lucas. “He has a very good relationship with the guys on the team.”
Lucas may be lucky that his dad is a professional soccer player, but Sarvas is quick to point out how much he enjoys spending all of his free time with his wife and Lucas. He takes Lucas to school and picks him up on days the Galaxy – the two-time defending MLS Cup Champions – plays at home, which for them is at the StubHub Center in Carson.
“I always take him to school and pick him up because the time he’s in school we’re training, and after that I can pick up,” Marcelo says. “We have a pretty normal life. It’s really good.”
Life as a professional athlete has its benefits, but also its challenges. Teams travel frequently – often for several days at a time – and in the case of the Sarvas family, Marcelo’s job has taken them around the world. For Marcelo, that’s a perk. He says that wherever he goes, from different countries to different teams, he meets people and always has the common denominator of soccer. “But for my wife and my son, it’s different,” he concedes. “They’re in a new home, going to a new school, learning a new language.”
Luckily, Marcelo says Lucas is adaptable and has an easy time making friends, and he shares Marcelo’s love of the sport. They also share a love of sushi and barbecue food at local restaurants, and spend family time in the swimming pool and at movies.
“For me, the most fun is seeing him grow up and seeing him taking the next step in his life,” Sarvas says. “He talks about soccer with me, asks me advice – even about girls. This is something fun and different for me.”
The Galaxy has five games in October as it pushes toward the playoffs. The last home game of the season, Fan Appreciation Night, is Oct. 20 against the San Jose Earthquakes. It figures to be a sellout, meaning about 27,000 fans will be there to watch. In the stands will be Lucas Sarvas, watching his dad – wearing jersey No. 8 – roam midfield, knowing that after the game he’ll be running on the grass to give him a high-five and a hug.
For information on tickets, visit www.lagalaxy.com.
