Jacob Bergin '21 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing soccer my entire life and it is simply what I love to do. I have pushed myself through tough times to achieve my goals and will continue to play soccer at the highest level possible. My strengths on the field are my abilities to solve problems on the fly, always knowing where my teammates and opponent are, strong work ethic and sacrifice. I take a leadership role in challenging myself and teammates to get better and focus on the values of teamwork. I never want to lose, but when I do, I learn from my mistakes and improve my play.

In January of 2018 I accepted an opportunity to join the DC United Academy. In order to do this, I had to make a decision to sacrifice relationships with friends and time with my family. Although I have traveled and been away from home before, this opportunity required a larger commitment, all at the age of 14. Not only did I have a more intense, higher-quality soccer experience, but I was also challenged to be more organized with my time, and more diligent with my studies. I lived with a supportive host family and attended on-line school.  This experience helped me mature as a young adult, and forced me to take ownership of my education and soccer development.

It was an unbelievable experience being away from home, playing and training at such a high level.  Shortly after my arrival I earned a starting roster spot as the Center Mid.  I logged the second highest minutes for the season, helping my team finish at the top of our table.  We traveled to the Caymans Islands for the Cayman Invitational Cup.  I played both CM and CB, helping our team go undefeated, winning the Cup.  I was able to log 3 goals as well.  We ended the season at the DA Showcase in San Diego.  I started and played 3 full matches as the CM.  I helped the team secure wins over the LA Galaxy and Chicago Sockers, and a draw with the Montreal Impact.  In the time I spent away I grew significantly as a player as well as a person.

I have played in highly competitive tournaments across the country and overseas. I have been to Spain twice to play in the Mediterranean International Cup (MIC). The first year I played as a guest player for Manhattan Kickers. The second time, I went as a player on the Id2 National team. I was the only player from Ohio on the roster and one of only three players to earn the honor of wearing the Captain’s arm band in a game. Also I have been part of ODP, made the regional pool players for the 02s as an 03 and the next year made the regional team for my age group. As a member of the regional team, I traveled to Arizona and played in the Interregional Tournament. I have also wrestled for some years. Wrestling has helped my soccer game significantly with mental preparation, physical conditioning and competitive strategy.

With soccer so important in my life, school is a higher priority. I am blessed with a math/science brain (thank you mom and dad) with ambitions to go into a career with these skills. Candidly, I am just as excited to be in the classroom to show my abilities as I will be to demonstrate my skills on the pitch. I am passionate about my education and look forward to opening my career and life through my degree.

Lastly, I was able to volunteer and help refugees out that were new to the community. I was able to use our common language of soccer to break the ice, welcome them and decrease their anxiety as they assimilated into their new environment. I look forward to continuing to use my passion for soccer to bridge the gap between cultures.

In August 2018 I decided to return home.  I jumped right back in with my HS Varsity squad and have taken on a leadership role with my team mates.  After the fall season I will be back with Cleveland Soccer Academy, playing up with the 2002s and 2001s.  Although my experience in DC was positive, I did not feel that the quality of the on-line education was at the level that I would need to achieve my goals.  Once my host family informed us that they could not continue to host me my decision was made—return home and continue to focus on being the best student-athlete I can be.  I believe the best is yet to come.