Cristian Abdala '24 Recruiting Profile

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my profile.

My name is Cristian Abdala, and I am a Senior at Maine South High School (class of 2024). I am very proud of the things I have accomplished so far and have gone outside my comfort zone to do some of them. This is part of becoming a successful athlete and student, two of the most essential things in my life.

I have been playing soccer since kindergarten and travel soccer since the 3rd grade. I currently play for the 2005 Academy Team for FC Stars in Park Ridge, Illinois. We compete against top-level talent in the Midwest Conference League, Illinois State Cup, Illinois President's Cup, and National Premier League. Most recently, we competed in the 2023 SC WAVE WINTER SHOWCASE TOURNAMENT, where we competed against MLS Next Clubs from the Midwest. But the highlight so far has been our participation in the Las Vegas Mayors Cup  - International Showcase 2023, where we came in first place against highly competitive international teams. 

What makes me unique is my work ethic. I am always willing to put in the extra effort on the pitch and in the gym. I have been a Flahive's Advanced Strength Training member, where I have worked out twice a week for the last 7+ years. In addition to gym time, I consistently work on my technical training on my own time, doing extra work with my teammates or by myself. Finally, with soccer being a very cardio-heavy sport, I run between 2 and 4 miles weekly to improve my fitness.

Lastly, in addition to working hard on my body and skills, I also work hard outside athletics. I currently have a 3.7 GPA going into the final semester of my junior year. Additionally, I have worked part-time for the Niles Park District for the past two years. My job is to referee youth athletics and sometimes coach at sports clinics. I have kept this job during the school year and the summer since my freshman year.

In conclusion, I am very proud of my accomplishments. But I am even more proud of how I earned these accomplishments. I acquired these things through a strong work ethic that helped me stay away from what I shouldn't do and spend more time doing what I should do. Hopefully, I have made a strong argument as to why I would be an impactful member of your college soccer team.

Thank you.

Cristian Abdala

Maine South High School, class of 2024