Jace Steiner '26 Recruiting Profile

I am a highly competitive, hard-working, mentally resilient athlete, that’s been described by coaches as having exceptional field vision. As a child I played both football and soccer. My position in football was quarterback, being able to make good reads. This trait filtered into soccer, as I began my journey with Empire Development Soccer Academy in the Pre-DA. When I played local soccer, my position was central midfielder. At the DA, I was always in the center back position. At 12 years of age, I had to decide between football or soccer. This was tough, knowing I’d most likely be a defender, and scoring goals was no longer my job. Plus, my commute to practice is an hour and a half each way. In 2020, I decided that soccer was my pathway and that I will adapt to my team’s needs.  I signed with RNYFC MLS Next and have been the starting center back ever since, and I’m proud to say that I often score on set pieces. I’ve also embraced the importance of the center back position in soccer, especially within the RNYFC MLS Next model.  As we play from the back, the center back position allows me to have many touches on the ball. Being center back allows me to display my humility, self-confidence, self-discipline, focus, poise under stress and natural leadership skills. 

Demonstrating these skills have opened opportunities for me to train with the Real Salt Lake U15 Academy in Herriman, UT. Also, I was invited to the US U14 Youth National Team marketing training center (MTC) and, invited back to the US U15 Youth National Team marketing training center (MTC). In 2025, I was selected to participate in the MLS Next Fest - Best of Match game. I was the U17 center back representing the east coast.  I am grateful for these opportunities and looking forward to progressing my skills at a higher level.