Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Alejandro Zendejas, members of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, required assistance from a golf cart dealership owner after a Father's Day outing left them stranded. The players had left their World Cup hotel near Laguna Beach for a pizza trip on a day off, following the team's 2-0 victory over Australia.
A closure on the Pacific Coast Highway prevented taxis from reaching them, making a return to the hotel challenging. With a 30-minute walk ahead in the Southern California heat, and with Pulisic still recovering from a calf injury and McKennie wearing flip-flops, the situation presented logistical difficulties.
Unexpected Assistance
The players noticed SC Carts, a local business specializing in street-legal golf carts. Initially, an employee of the dealership mistook the athletes for local youths interested in the vehicles. However, passersby recognized the players and requested photographs, inadvertently drawing the attention of the dealership's owner, Cole Schamber.
Schamber approached the group and offered assistance. He recounted that the interaction was pleasant, describing the players as "really nice guys." After learning they were members of the U.S. soccer team, Schamber engaged them in conversation. The players reportedly considered purchasing a golf cart for approximately $9,000, with one eye on shipping it to Pulisic's home in Florida, but ultimately decided against it.
A Ride Home
Schamber eventually provided the players and their pizza with a ride back to their hotel. During the journey, they discussed Dana Point's history and Schamber's business. McKennie told ESPN that Schamber demonstrated the golf cart's features. Schamber, who is the same age as Pulisic, noted the relaxed atmosphere of their conversation, likening it to chatting with friends.
Despite the unexpected situation, Schamber expressed regret for not asking for a photograph, citing the business's busy schedule that day. He mentioned that one of his employees' fathers, a significant soccer fan, was thrilled to hear about the encounter. Schamber, who admits he doesn't typically follow sports closely, is focused on managing his business, which limits his time to watch the team's World Cup progress.