McLaughlin graduated from La Salle College High School in 1993.
[1] He attended the Harvard University, playing on the men's soccer team from 1993 to 1997.
[2] On February 1, 1998, the New England Revolution selected McLaughlin in the third round (thirty-sixth overall) of the 1998 MLS College Draft.
[3] He played one game for the Revolution before being released on June 30, 1998.
He then signed with the Worcester Wildfire for the remainder of the 1998 USISL A-League season.