Craig N.

During my coaching career, I have coached numerous athletes and all genders typically ages 9 and up. I have worked with athletes of all experience from kids starting completive club soccer for the first time to competitive club soccer athletes, high school varsity athletes, development academy players, college players and professional players.

I have a vast playing career that spans 16 years across the United States. I played most of my youth soccer with North Valley Fusion FC, an age group team in northern Los Angeles which competed in the Coast Soccer League (before USSDA was formed) and various high level tournaments in the United States, like Dallas Cup and Surf Cup. In 2010, I competed on the BU18 Real SoCal Academy Team which took third in the National Championships at the Home Depot Center.
After high school, I was fortunate enough to earn an athletic and academic scholarship and played five years of NCAA D1 soccer at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) between 2010 and 2014, including a red-shirted year in 2010. During my career at LMU, I made 59 starts, appeared in 70 total matches and logged 5720 minutes. I was part of a program that won two WCC titles (2010, 2013) and one NCAA tournament appearance (2013). As a center back, I finished with 11 goals (4 game winners) and four assists. My individual honors include: Mac Hermann Trophy Watch List 2014, 2015 MLS Combine invitee, two time NSCAA/Continental Tire All Far West Second Team, three time All WCC selection (First Team 2013 and 2014), three time WCC All Academic Honorable Mention, three time team captain, LMU MVP/Most Valuable Defender/Most Inspirational/Goal of the Year 2014 and LMU Outstanding Male Scholar Athlete 2015.
After college, I was selected 72nd overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. After a successful trial with the club, I signed with Vancouver's USL side Whitecaps FC 2. I played 18 games with 15 starts and logged 1457 minutes. I was named to the USL Team of the Week (4/3/15) and appeared in 7 of the 8 Whitecaps season wins.
After a season with Whitecaps 2, I signed with USL's Orlando City B on January 13, 2016. I started 14 games logging 1243 minutes and scored one goal.
I retired from professional soccer in 2016 due to multiple injuries, but remain active playing for fun and coaching every week. Throughout the duration of my career, I was fortunate to have been trained by world class coaches from the United States, Central/South America, and Europe. My goal is now to to help provide the same opportunities given to me to the next generation.

My time is limited; however, I make time for athletes dedicated to getting better. On top of 1 on 1 sessions, I do video analysis for games and offer different packages for depending on what the player needs. Get in contact with me if you want to know more details.