Ovalle began playing youth soccer in Chile for his school Colegio San Agustín when he was 11.
[2] In 1990, at the age of 19, he made his senior debut for Universidad Católica of the Chilean Primera División, coming on as a substitute for the final 30 minutes.
[5] In 2000, he went to the United States and had trials with Major League Soccer clubs New England Revolution and Dallas Burn.
While he did not sign for either club, Dallas assistant Oscar Pisano recommended him to Chris Agnello, who was the head coach of the Utah Blitzz of the USL D-3 Pro League, who signed him to a two-year contract in April.
[2][6] In 1991, Ovalle was called to the Chile U23 team for the 1992 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, playing in each match, although they failed to qualify for the Olympics.