Christian Cruz '21 Recruiting Profile

My soccer journey began at the age of 6 years old when I was first signed up for a travel league by my father.  I first played for Deportivo Yonkers Soccer Club for 4 years, then I transferred to Yonkers All Stars for 6 years, afterwards I transferred to Alianza Peru for about a year, and currently I am training with RCD Espanyol de Barcelona Academy in New Jersey. In addition, I have been playing Varsity High School Soccer for three years now and I have been playing for my father’s men’s team for two years now. We play against men ages 18-40 in tournaments in Yonkers and the Bronx.

My technical skills include first touch pass, possession, ball control, control of the game, positioning and spatial awareness. I would make a good candidate for your team because I am dedicated and disciplined. For example, when COVID-19 cancelled the high school soccer season I took it upon myself to contact my fellow teammates and schedule 8 am trainings and weekend scrimmages against rival schools. Because of my background I have experience with different styles of coaching and I make it a point to always have a learning attitude. I look forward to receiving feedback on my performance as I am always looking for ways to improve. I am a fast learner as well. I take a great responsibility when it comes to my training because I am motivated to become the best player that I can be. I am looking for a team and a coach who will push me beyond my limits.

I owe my style of playing and who I am as an athlete to my upbringing. I am fortunate to come from a culturally diverse town where I grew up playing street soccer and learned a variety of soccer styles from friends of all cultures such as Central America, South America, African, Carribean, and European. Aside from the technique needed to be a great soccer player I realize the importance of the athlete’s morals as a great contributor to his/her success. In addition to soccer, I also was trained for many years in boxing and MMA. Boxing and MMA has taught me discipline, good sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and respect for coaches, all of which are skills I have transferred to my soccer mentality. 

My goal in life is to create a legacy and pave the way for others. I am a first generation minority student from immigrant parents and a low income household. English is my second language and academics have not always been a strong suit in my family, but soccer has always been there for me. In a world where the success of first generation children from immigrant parents is determined by whether or not the child becomes a doctor or lawyer I am determined to pave my own path and create my own success in the world of soccer.

All in all I believe that I have the potential to be a great contribution to your team if given the opportunity. I am ready to put my skills to the test and show the world what I am truly capable of.