Adrian Coardos '15 Recruiting Profile

Biography 

I started playing soccer at the age of six in Romania. A year after, when I turned 7, I started playing for the local club, FC Oasu, in a small city where I lived. After a year of playing with my age group I was moved up to play with a older age group. By the age of 10, I was playing with the U13 team. It wasn't easy, but it really improved my skills. When I was 12 years old I was scouted and asked to play for a bigger club in a different city. However, I wasn't able to go play for there because in the summer of 2009 I came to the Chicago, IL in the United States. When I turned 13 I started playing for a smaller club called Chams here in Chicago and also played with the school team. In 9th grade I went to Niles North High School where I made the varsity soccer team as a Freshman. I also played with the Sophomore team for the second part of the season. I finished the last 10 games of the season with 15 goals and 5 assists.

I was scouted and asked to play for Euro Soccer Club and I accepted to play for them. I was 15 years old playing with the U17 team. After having a successful season with them, the next year when I was 16 I tried out for more professional clubs: Team Evanston and F.C Chicago. Both clubs wanted me to play for them but I chose Team Evanston. I played for Team Evanston with the U16 premier team as a forward at a high level game in the MRL and other showcases. The very first year at the club I led the team in goals and we made it to the Illinois State Cup Finals. I also ran Varsity track since 9th grade in order for me to get faster and stronger. During my 3rd year of High School while playing at the varsity level I received the most valuable player award with 14 goals and 4 assists, the All Conference Award and In Recognition of Excellence in Athletics Award. Now that I'm 17 I'm still playing with Team Evanston and so far this season we have won one of the biggest soccer showcases in U.S. called the Disney Soccer Showcase which was held in Orlando, Florida. 

Here is a link that that talks about me in a varsity match: 

http://www.cslinsider.com/news/nilesnorthbouncesbackforbigwinovermainewest.aspx?SportId=33&Year=2014&pg=5#.Uvhmx7LBLNI

When I first started playing organized soccer at the club I played as a defender (usually specific right or left back). As I started playing more, I also tried playing as a striker or an offensive winger. I was very successful in the new position and I scored a lot of goals. Ever since, I've played offense and mainly as a striker. I've been able to score a lot of goals and it feels very natural to me. My strengths as a striker are: I'm very fast and I move very quickly off the ball while trying to make diagonal runs. I can take a defender one-on-one and score. I can receive a ball under pressure and still make an accurate pass. I have a good first touch. I can shoot with accuracy and power with both of my feet. I can also jump high for a header to score a goal from a corner kick. 

I am very excited for college and extremely determined to play soccer at the most competitive level. Right now I'm undecided of what I want to study. My goal is to play Division I soccer at a good academic school. I can describe myself as being a very determined person especially when it comes to soccer. I am also very athletic (I can do a flip-throw). I am a team player and always cheer on my teammates through ups and downs. 

Going to school here after moving from a different country was very challenging to me since I didn't speak English. I had a lot of catching up to do. I had to work very hard to keep my grades up and try to balance out sports, school, and family. Since I also started running track and field at Niles North High School I have had very limited time for homework and studying, but I do my best to earn good grades. 

What makes me a good candidate for your team is that I'm a great student and an amazing athlete. My junior year I was recognized as an excellent student athlete by the principal when I received an award. I am a solid candidate for your team because of my sportsmanship, superior soccer skills, will to win, and resilience on and off the field.