Meet the New Guy: M.A. Clark

For over 20 years I have written stories about other people and this might be the first time I have been asked to write about myself.

As the subheader suggests, I am a journalist and have been for quite some time. I have covered pro and college sports, politics (which, oddly enough, college sports and politics are close to the same thing…ask and I will explain), and business. I’ve been awarded for news, investigative and sports journalism, which is all well and good, but I don’t write for awards.

Since playing soccer in high school, I have had a passion for the game. I remember watching North American Soccer League games in the early 80’s and even being excited to watch my hometown Wichita Wings play indoor soccer in the Major Indoor Soccer League with rivals like the Kansas City Comets, San Diego Sockers and the St. Louis Steamers.

Just for some history… this was the player entrance song in Kansas City:    

It has been great to see this game take off in popularity since the 1994 World Cup. The growth of leagues, players, and teams is reminiscent of the days of the New York Cosmos, Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, and George Best.

So, when the opportunity came to write for The Mane Land, I jumped at the chance. I get to whet my sports writing appetite, combined with writing about the beautiful game, covering one of the most prolific franchises in MLS.

On top of that, there is the Orlando Pride, which features players like Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan, and Marta.

I am looking forward to writing about various aspects of the club and being able to “fan” a little bit.