Future MLS Star, San Diego native: Michael Farfan
Yesterday we highlighted AJ Soares, the San Diego native and University of California defender who was one of the four college seniors to be signed by Major League Soccer to a Generation Adidas contract.
Soares, however, is not the only player from San Diego to be signed to a Generation Adidas contract in anticipation of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
Another one of the four seniors to receive an MLS contract prior to the combine and SuperDraft is University of North Carolina attacking midfielder, Michael Farfan.
Farfan was originally born in San Diego and followed in the footsteps of the many great players from this region by playing his youth club ball with the La Jolla Nomads, helping to lead his club to a 2002 national title.
The 5'9" 155lbs midfielder won All-CIF honors at Castle Park High School in Chula Vista prior to joining the U-17 National Team.
He attended attended the Edison Academy in Bradenton, Fla while training with the U.S. Under-17 National Team in preparation for the 2005 U-17 Youth World Cup.
After his time with the National Team, Farfan moved back to Southern California to attend college at Cal State-Fullerton where he was named the league's Freshman of the Year in 2006. Farfan was twice awarded the honors of being a first-team All-Big West midfielder in 2006 and 2007 before he transferred to UNC, seeking out a bigger challenge.
In his junior season out east, Farfan was named as an NSCAA First Team All-American as well as earned numerous plaudits from college soccer media throughout the country.
In 2010, Farfan continued his streak of piling on the accolades for his stand-out performances. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Soccer Player of the Week as well as earned a place on College Soccer News’ National Team, just the seventh Tar Heel and first since Danny Jackson in 2000 and 2001 to earn back-to-back All-America honors.
In his return to his home state, Farfan helped lead the Tar Heels to the National Semifinals of the College Cup, where his team was bounced 2-1 by Louisville.
By announcing his signing to a Generation Adidas contract, MLS is taking a firm investment in the 22 year-old's future as a bright star for their league. Indeed, Farfan is a top prospect, with many pundits predicting him being selected in the top 10 of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
His experience at the highest youth, college, and residency levels make the crafty Michael Farfan a desirable talent for many teams. Due to his creative skill set and mature vision on the pitch, he should be able to quickly adjust to and thrive in the professional game here in the States and could even be a future senior National Team prospect.
Check out some of his video highlights on YouTube by clicking here.