Nelson Brown '24 Recruiting Profile

I was born in Macau and first kicked a ball when I was 14 months old and joined the government-run Escola de Futebol Juvenil de Macau when I was 5 years-old.  My family relocated to Portland OR when I was six and I joined a small low-cost club in Gresham OR.  In 2017, I joined Eastside Timbers U12 Development Academy team as a right back.  I transitioned to center back in early 2019 and became team captain of the 06 Red 1 team.  In my final year at Eastside Timbers the team played in the USYS National League Northwest Conference & OYSA Premier Division.  I was an Oregon ODP player from 2018 to 2022 and team captain for ODP Far West Regionals.  In August 2021 I was selected to the ODP West 2006 Boys Regional Pool for 2021/2022.  In February 2022, I moved to United PDX where I immediately cemented my place as a starting centreback, won U16 State Cup and began playing in the very demanding ECNL Northwest Conference.  Following a challenging year where I played both ECNL & High School soccer at the same time, playing 3-4 games a week with no ECNL training during HS season, I opted to focus on ECNL for my Senior year and joined Vancouver-based Columbia Premier B05/06 ECNL in June 2023 where I am the starting right-side center back.  I also played centre back for Parkrose HS in the 5A Northwest Oregon Conference where I was a Varsity starter from Freshman year and appointed team captain in my Junior year; I was stripped of the captaincy in my Senior year for attending ECNL club training.  During my 4 years of Varsity Soccer, I was named on the Northwest Oregon Conference All-League First Team, Second team and Honorable Mention lists as a defender.

Having an English father means I have grown up watching the Premier League & Champions League and we have been Portland Timbers season ticket holders since 2015.  I have learned a lot watching defenders such as Virgil Van Dyk, Jan Vertonghen, Mats Hummels, Thiago Silva & Cristian Romero.  I also hold dual US/UK citizenship.

I am good with both feet, set-pieces and penalties.  I play predominantly center back but I have played all positions across the backline at some point.  My favorite position is sweeper.  I really enjoy playing centreback as I can see the whole field and look for who is open/opportunities on the offensive transition.  At 5' 10", I may be too short to be a center back for some coaches but I am very open to transitioning to an outside back under the right coach; I am quite fast and my PR for 100m is below 12 seconds.  I believe I am a strong leader on the pitch and have been named captain for club, ODP & high school teams and I am a good communicator.  Being born in late-December, I have usually been the youngest player on the field.  This has definitely helped me develop a lot as I have had to play against older & bigger players most of my life.  I like to push myself to a high standard and have frequently been told I am very coachable.

I really enjoy playing soccer at a high level, especially with players who have a high soccer IQ. I would love to play and learn in a college environment to continue developing my skills & understanding of the game.  Beyond college, I am keen on a career in physical therapy and staying involved in soccer.

Off the field I like to help my dad with DIY projects around the house, work on building computers & gaming and spending time with our family dog.