Jonathan Bales '22 Recruiting Profile

I typically play an outside back as the #2 or #3, but also play in the center back position as a #4 or #5, and occasionally play as the holding midfielder in the #6 position. I am easy to coach and seek active feedback, always looking to improve and support the team. On the technical/tactical side, I am a strong outside back who understands supporting the attack and recovering defensively. I have good size and physicality, and am strong in the air and defending driven passes. I feel my key qualities are 1v1 defending, zonal defending, building out of the back, and distributing to midfielders and flank players.

I have a very positive attitude and work hard to be a good player and team mate. I feel it’s important to lead by example and I hold myself accountable and strive to be noticed as a player with skill and integrity.  I’ve been playing since I was 5 and had the opportunity to play with a European academy in 2011-2012 in Malta. Outside of club and school soccer, I am a Virginia ODP West Central Region District player. I have played with teams that earned league championships, tournament championships, and President Cup final four appearances. 

I’m a multi-sport athlete and the punter and place kicker for my high school football team. Academically, I am interested in pursuing Criminal Justice or a career in the automotive industry.