Koven Johnson '24 Recruiting Profile

   I started playing club soccer at the age of 6 and have strived to play at the highest possible level since, with an ultimate goal of becoming a professional in the sport I love. I am relentless in my determination to excel, both on the pitch and in school, and make an extra effort off the pitch and outside the classroom to enhance the development of myself and those around me.

       I can play defensive, central or attacking midfield, am a two-way player with a high work rate and a leader by example. I am quick and evasive. and am a two-footed, technical, player with good foot skills. I am patient and composed on the ball, and can retain possession. I am an unselfish player that sees the field and distributes the ball well, but also am able to beat defenders and create and finish goal scoring opportunities.  I’m a tenacious defender that can quickly regain possession and immediately transition to attacking on offense when appropriate. I have a great understanding of the game and strategy, and am a coachable player who wants to continue to improve my strengths and eliminate my weaknesses. 

        From 2019-2022, I co-captained the Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh Academy 06 team to 3 USYS GLC League titles (2 undefeated), an undefeated USYS National League P.R.O. division title, and the 2022 USYS National Championship Series where I was awarded the U16 Best XI Team. For the 22/23 season I was selected to play for Barca Residency Academy in Arizona, where I tallied 12 goals and 6 assists as a defensive midfielder. I was promoted to the U17 MLS Next squad and will be competing in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs  in Dallas, TX (June 17-25, 2023). I will return to Barca Residency Academy for the 23/24 season to play on the U19 MLS Next squad.

  Outside of sports I hold myself to high academic standards with a cumulative GPA of 3.66 (3.96 weighted). I intend to pursue an education in sports management and a career in professional soccer and coaching. I also take pride in volunteering to teach soccer to young kids and foster the same passion I have for the game.