Dominik Jakubek on the playing field. (News-Sentinel file photo)

10 questions with Dominik Jakubek

Lodi native Dominik Jakubek has played goalkeeper for the Major Indoor Soccer League's California Cougars the past two seasons. Last season, he played in 16 games and started 14 for the Cougars, who are based in Stockton.

Jakubek, 27, starred at Lodi High, where he was named San Joaquin Athletic Association Keeper of the Year his final three seasons.

After high school, Jakubek lived in Poland for two years and trained with WKS Slask Wroclaw, a second-division team.

He then played at Delta College for two years, earning all-state honors. After one season at Sonoma State, where he earned all-league honors, Jakubek transferred to Chico State for his final two years.

He recorded 11 shutouts at Chico State and in his senior season led the team to the Division II national championship game. He was named to the All-American first team.

Jakubek, who earned a degree in liberal studies, was drafted by the Milwaukee Wave with the third pick in the 2005 MISL draft and subsequently traded to the Cougars.

Jakubek is currently training with the California Victory, a member of the United Soccer League's First Division based in San Francisco. The league plays outdoors and teams play a 28-game schedule that runs from April to September.

Jakubek said he earned $12,000 in his rookie year and $18,000 last season. He says he supplements his income by coaching and giving private lessons.

"I'm single, don't have a family, so it's OK," he said.

Dominik Jakubek

Q: What's been the highlight of your soccer career to this point?

A: I think last year, to finally make it to pro soccer. I played with the Columbus Crew for about 13 games, but didn't really see any action. But I'd always wanted to play in the MLS since its inaugural year in '96.

Playing in Europe was nice, but playing pro soccer was something I wanted to accomplish.

Q: After finishing strong in your first season with the Cougars, you struggled at times last season. What do you attribute your struggles to, and as a goalkeeper, how important is it to move on after a rough outing?

A: I always stay confident in myself when things are going bad. It wasn't that I was playing that bad. I was still a rookie coming into the season. I only played eight games in my rookie year.

And the indoor game is so unpredictable. It really humbles you. I give myself a B-minus (for last season). Early in the season I led the league in saves. Look at the stats — I was holding my own.

The team went through a coaching change and I was just trying to adapt to that level of indoor soccer. I grew up playing in leagues around the area and I wasn't prepared. Those guys are really good and know how to use the boards.

It just wasn't my year. I'm not sure what my future is with the Cougars. I would love to stay around; I don't know if they want to keep me. I hope to stay in Stockton because I'm from here and it's nice to have my parents watch.

Q: Are you content with playing in the MISL, or would you like to play in the MLS or elsewhere before your career is over?

A: If there was a choice, I would choose outdoor soccer. Outdoor is the real game; indoor is unnatural because of the boards. If there's an option to play both, I'll do it as long as my body will allow.

Q: How big is the talent gap between American and European soccer and will the U.S. ever be a power on the international scene?

A: I do (think America will be a power), because wherever I go I see kids playing in America. It's about kids sticking with it into the high school years. A lot of athletes go to the more high-profile sports, like football and basketball.

I see us growing as a country. Ask anyone around the world, and they'll say we work harder and are more conditioned.

We're getting better coaching and training facilities. The future is bright for American soccer. If America perceives soccer as a better sport, it would be better.

Q: You speak Polish and German. How do you say "Goal!" in those languages? As a goalkeeper, how annoying is it to hear that call after being scored on?

A: In Polish, goal is "Bramka." In German, it's "Tor."

You here it and it's annoying. But as a fan, you still get goose bumps when watching a game and you hear that.

If someone scores a great goal on you, you just have to step back and applaud it. Soccer wants scoring, and the main thing is a goal.

Q: You went to Chico State, which has long had a reputation for being a party school. Did you do your part to enhance that reputation during your time at the school?

A: I definitely did not hesitate to party a little bit. But I did get things done. I accomplished everything I wanted to do there.

I got there when I was 22, just turning 23; just mature enough to not get caught up in it too much. Soccer kept me out of trouble, too.

Q: You've been helping out with the Lodi High girls soccer team this season. How has the experience been and do you want to coach after your playing days?

A: Yeah, that would be great. I want to stay involved. I've been playing since I was 4 years old. To be honest, I don't know what else to do.

I would love to coach at the college or pro level. I love to teach, especially goalkeeping. It helps your game, too, because you keep going over the fundamentals.

It's nice to watch kids get better and to open doors for them.

Q: In your opinion, why is soccer a better sport than football, basketball or baseball?

A: Because we do it for 90 minutes.

The Brazilians call soccer the "beautiful game." It really is, the way the players move around.

We use our feet; can't use our hands. It takes a little more skill to control the ball with your feet.

Q: Do you think David Beckham, who signed a $250 million contract with the L.A. Galaxy of the MLS, was worth the money, and do you think he can get Americans excited about the game?

A: Man, I want that money, too.

I guess (he's worth it). I don't know. Sure, why not. If someone wants to pay it, he deserves it.

We might not see it at first, but it can pay dividends in two or three years. He needs to come here and produce; not start doing movies and trying to be a movie star. He needs to be focused.

I think he will do well if he stays injury free. But he will be a marked man because of the money. If he does well it will bring more exposure (to U.S. soccer). It can open more doors for other high-price players to come to America. We need more stars in their mid-20s to come here.

Q: Are you a bigger fan of Beckham or his wife, Posh Spice?

A: I don't know. She's very attractive, but maybe a little too skinny for me. But definitely beautiful. I'll take the safe route and choose her. Definitely.

But if I'm choosing someone to play soccer with I would choose Beckham.