Matthew Perez '23 Recruiting Profile

I would like to briefly introduce myself in the hopes of earning the opportunity to participate in your soccer college soccer program. My name is Mathew Perez, and I am a junior at Cuthbertson High School- Class 2023. I am a member of the Charlotte Independence Boys 05 ECNL and represent the ECNL Program as an outside back on the U17 team.  I am currently on the Varsity high school soccer team at Cuthbertson High School and have participated in the ODP Olympic Development Program for 5 years. 

I am an honest person; I support my teammates, and take soccer very seriously.  I am a strong opponent in the air, quick on the ground, and read the game very well.  I am truly a well-rounded player, open to learning, and many of my coaches have seen an upwards development in my soccer skills. I have good technical abilities and can take the game to the next level in an environment with increasing competition.

I constantly look to improve my abilities as well as those around me. I have been asked to play several different positions throughout the years as the needs of the team changed.  I watch soccer games on TV to learn from professionals about positioning, tactics, communication, and speed of play.  I understand the benefit of a great first touch and the ability to make decisions quickly, which is why I excelled both in club soccer and in high school soccer.

My greatest strength as a player is my hard work and mindset.  I see the game both offensively and defensively in its truest form, which allows me to make incredible defensive tackles because I see how an opponent looks to play and take advantage of it. Offensively, I look to create opportunities through possession and understand when to simplify the game and possess the ball to break down a defense as well as understand when riskier balls can be attempted.