Drew Byrnes '27 Recruiting Profile

My name is Drew Byrnes, and I am a hard-working midfielder and forward who is dedicated to the sport, competitive, and technically strong on both sides of the ball.  Tactically, I am a quick-thinking, flexible, intelligent player with great vision of the game, and work hard to lead my team by example in all phases of play.  As a committed, lifelong learner, I seek to improve my skills every day, and take feedback well from all of my coaches and teammates.  I am driven and disciplined, and my performances consistently demonstrate that.

This is my fifth year playing at the highest level for my age group, MLS NEXT, and over the course of this time, I have played for multiple teams.  This has afforded me exposure to a variety of coaching styles and game strategies, and has helped to develop me into an even stronger, more well-rounded player.  Often, I have guest played in games for older age groups at my respective clubs.  

I have also competed in NorCal's PDP (Player Development Program) for many years, was selected for their ID2 program in 2022/23, and am now a participant in their U17 State Player Pool.  I was selected to represent and travel with NorCal PDP's State Team this past July 2025 at Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, and in the previous year, was a finalist as well.  In addition, I am frequently selected as a demo player for PDP-hosted coaching symposiums and clinics for NorCal. 

For the 2025-26 season, I am playing for the Woodside Soccer Club U17 MLS NEXT team under Head Coach Waldemar Roldan and Director of Coaching Zak Ibsen.  I am captain of the team, and was last year as well when I played for the San Francisco Glens U16 MLS NEXT team.   

In January and July 2025, I was identified for COPA STC's Pro Player Pathway and in July, was selected as one of the "Top VI Players" in the 2009-2007 age group at their Elite ID Event by attending academy and college scouts and coaches.  In March 2025, I earned "Goal of the Week" by MLS NEXT and in January 2025, received the designation of "Top 1% Play" by Taka for an assist I had against Portland Timbers.  In October 2025, I was identified by Oakland Roots (USL) as a rising prospect for their program. In November 2025, I received the designation again of “Top 1% Play” by Taka for a goal I scored against The Town FC.

I feel I can contribute in many positive ways both on and off the field to a high-level college and/or academy program, and look forward to developing my game even further!