Darrius Leto '22 Recruiting Profile

I am a very coachable student of soccer. During the Pandemic shutdown in California, I went to Italy to train with two high level Italian Academies: Marco Arcese and Michele Baldini, and kept my normal high school classes, maintaining  a 3.9 GPA. It was a great experience where I learned defensive techniques from the world class Italians. I played on an Academy team in Sulmona and played a 3-5-2 formation among others.

Upon my return to California, I have joined the MLS Next Team Silicon Valley Soccer Academy (SVSA) and look forward to playing at this elite level as I pursue a position on a College team for 2022.

I play any of the wing positions. My best position is wing back where I hold a strong defensive posture, but have the flexibility to transition to offense. I use my speed (4.55s 40-yard dash) and technical skills to rush down the sideline and either cross into the goal area or take a shot on frame.  I also have an amazing throw-in, placing the ball at the penalty spot where my teammates can score a header or get a shot on frame. I also take corner kicks as I can consistently cross the ball 30-40 yards.

Prior to SVSA, I played on three competitive teams for Liverpool Football Club (LFC) in Los Gatos, CA. I “play-up” on two 2003 teams, where I captained the 2003B team. I also started on the 2004A team.  In high school, I was co-captain of the JV team this year and second highest scorer. I was one of 5 freshmen on the JV team last year and started as both a freshman and sophomore. I have also played on indoor soccer teams.

My style of play has been described by coaches and spectators as explosive and aggressive. I never stop until the last whistle is blown, regardless of the score. I have nearly unlimited stamina. I play 2-3 full games per weekend and still have gas in the tank that allows me to make those crucial plays even towards the end of the game. Recently, we clocked 1 and 2 mile runs for my 2003 team. I was fastest in the Mile and 2^nd overall even though my teammates are all older than me.

I am a top 3 scorer for my teams most seasons. I had 3 goals off my head from corner kicks this last season as well as 3 assists from corners I kicked. I score from outside the box with a strong, unexpected strike to the upper corners.

Defensively, I deny the opposition scoring opportunities with my solid defensive play. I am patient and don’t overcommit. If I am passed, my speed allows me to catch them from behind. I have saved several goals at the goal line with my head as the last man after sprinting to a final defensive position from the weak side of the field.

I have been a multi-sport athlete since age 5, playing baseball, tennis, flag football, and basketball. I finally settled on soccer as my main sport in eighth grade, joining competitive teams with the Earthquakes Club and now LFC. I always put everything I have into everything I do, and that especially applies to soccer. I put the effort into my technical skills to be the best, and I always look for ways to improve by getting input from my coaches.  

I believe that mindset is reflected on the field by impacting the energy of my team to encourage confident play. When you play with confidence it brings out your best game, every game. This allows the team to play at its best.  I believe that's what I bring to a team, confidence and enthusiasm for the game. I have proven this mindset often, especially when we needed a goal to win (or not lose).  I have that “scorers” instinct to get that goal for the team. I know how to put the ball in the net, both individually and as a team. And, I support my keeper and back line defensively to limit scoring opportunities through speed and physicality on the ball.