Robert Wood '24 Recruiting Profile

I AM BLESSED TO ANNOUNCE THAT I HAVE VERBALLY COMMITTED TO PLAY D1 SOCCER AND CONTINUE MY EDUCATION AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY.

USL Academy starter.  Player with Uruguayan and Italian heritage, speaking both languages, living in a large metro area, Houston, TX, with family committed to playing-up rather than travel, before High School, in accordance with futbol traditions of Italy and Uruguay.  Prefers the new USL Academy platform which has play-up and play-down built-in to it's framework.  Youngest and only 2006 birth year starter on Houston FC USL Academy team comprised mostly of 03/04's.  Versatile field player in defense and attack with creative flair that consistently stops attacks and contributes to goals.  Set piece threat from behind the ball or in the box.  Wins tackles and aerials.  Scores goals from headers.  Has played extensive minutes at every central field position from CB to F and also on the flanks at RB and LB. Technical, tactical, physical, aggressive and intelligent player with leadership qualities that has captained many teams.  Consistently works on developing his technical and athletic skills outside of club (check list of coaches in nscasports profile for references). A player with unique ability to integrate quickly into teams.  Of Uruguayan and Italian heritage speaking Spanish and Italian (and French), has played in both countries, and in England, and has played club ball in Texas and Utah.

Elite level student consistently taking advanced course work, earning highest academic honors and performing above 90th percentile in standardized testing.

Seeking to play soccer at the highest level possible at a college or university with high-caliber facilities and staff, a global focus, that values personal and character development and offers challenges in the classroom, on the pitch,  and the opportunity earn play-time with first team.

Recent soccer highlights - updated 5/01/22:

Playing most games up 2+ years, for leadership, technical and tactical development in game context
- Played more than 50 games as of 3/22/22
- En-route to play 80+ games for club and HS

HS Soccer 2022 - Strake Jesuit Sophomore - CDM/CAM:
- 2022 Champions Texas UIL 6A District 23 JV Division
- Starting CDM, played every game
- 2nd straight season delivering Championship
- Leading scorer final 7 games
- Leader in interceptions, tackles, aerial duel wins
- 2 game winning goals
- 10 goals and 10 assists
- Youngest player rostered for Strake to play for varsity in 2022 Texas UIL 6A playoffs

Club Soccer 2022 - Houston FC U16 - CB/CDM:
- Selected to play with U19s at 2022 USL Academy Cup, Tampa FL, 3/31-4/3
- USL Academy 2022 U19s - 2nd season starting
- USL League Two U23s - rostered with USL2, on track to compete 3 seasons of USL2 before college
- UPSL Premier U23s -  rostered for 3rd season in 2022, began competing in UPSL at U13

International 2022 - FC Danubio, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Training all June of 2022 with FC Danubio U17s/2005s