Francesco Montali '19 Recruiting Profile

Accomplishments: US Youth Soccer National Championships participant.  US Youth Soccer Region III Champion, 2016 (Received Golden Glove award for top goalkeeper in tournament). Florida u15 State Cup Champion. Competed at international tournament in Guadeloupe; Dallas Cup 2014, Annandale Premiere Cup, and other regional tournaments. FSPL (Florida Soccer Premier League) Champions (undefeated 13-0). Attended invitation-only, two-week training session (all expenses paid) to Leo Messi Foundation in Rosario, Argentina; traveled to Spain with Club team for games against Valencia, Villarreal, Levante, and Elche. Attended the Complete Soccer Goalkeeper Academy with Tim Howard, Summer 2015. Trained with professional team academy Sporting Cristal (Peru), Spring 2016.

I have been playing goalkeeper since the age of nine and am pursuing my dream of playing at the college level. My longer term goal is to play professionally either in the MLS ,in Europe, or in South America. I'm a committed student and am as focused on doing well in the classroom as on the field. I understand that the best goalkeepers are not just great shot stoppers, but are great strategists and play an important role directing their teammates from the keeper’s unique perspective on the field. That’s the kind of goalkeeper I aspire to be. Seeing how the game is played in Spain, Argentina, Guadeloupe, Peru and all across the U.S. has helped my development as a player and made me a better keeper. Having been coached by former professional players has also given me a clear vision of what it takes to play at the highest level and I’m willing to do what it takes to get there.