Martin Joshua Merino '23 Recruiting Profile

I am a 17 years old Filipino Soccer player. I have been playing soccer for 11 years. I started playing when I was 6 years old and until now. I moved to the United States at the age of 16 last year on September 25, 2021. Before moving to the US, I used to play for Makati Football Club for 6 years and was a varsity player for my school at De LaSalle Santiago Zobel for 4 years. I am a starting Center Defensive Midfielder and sometimes I play Center Back. I am currently playing my 2nd-year varsity for Fountain Valley School of Colorado. I am currently playing in the Center Defensive Midfielder position and play for Black Rock FC and I am currently the captain of this club. I play Center Defensive Midfielder and sometimes I play Center Back. I just got back from international duties, in which I represented the Philippines in the U20 AFC Qualifier 2023 which was held in Oman. I am now back in the United States to continue soccer and studies

I am not just an athlete but I am a student-athlete. On the pitch, I am a very versatile player. I can rotate to multiple positions combining my IQ, strength, and natural quickness. I can play well with both feet, but my dominant foot is right. Off the pitch, I enjoy studying. I plan to take Business in College and pursue soccer as well. In my first year in the US, I had a B+ on the final grade. Since this is my first year experiencing the education system in the US, I can say I am adjusting reasonably.  I hope to continue my education in the US shortly.