Brian James (soccer)

Brian James

Personal information
Full name	Brian James
Date of birth	(1993-10-25) October 25, 1993
Place of birth	Boca Raton, Florida, United States
Height
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Toronto FC II
Youth career
2010–2015	Weston Academy
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2016–	Toronto FC II	9	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of May 25, 2016

Brian James (born October 25, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who currently plays for Toronto FC II in the USL.

Career

College

Attending American Heritage High School, James recorded 78 goals and 168 assists during his school career. He then attended the University of Virginia for two years, where he scored four goals in 35 appearances.

During his college career, James took a wealth of accolades, including a place in 2014 College Sports Madness All-Big Ten Second Team. He was named two-time ESPN Rise All-American First Team in 2011 and 2012, as well as Florida's 2012 Gatorade Player of the Year. He was crowned Palm Beach Player of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2012, having guided his school to become FHSAA State Champions twice in three years. James was also Sun-Sentinel Player of the Year on two occasions.

While studying, James played club football for Weston from 2010 to 2012. It was during this time he was chosen to feature in the United States Under-18 National Team camp, and named in the USSF Academy Starting XI Southern Conference side three times.

He moved to Pennsylvania State University in 2014 for a further two years, where he scored four goals in 38 appearances.

Professional

James was drafted in the fourth round, 80th overall, in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC on January 19, 2015. On March 24, 2016, it was announced that he would join affiliate team Toronto FC II ahead of the 2016 USL season. He made his debut in a 2-2 draw with New York Red Bulls II two days later.

Personal life

James was born in Boca Raton, Florida to Alvin and Karen James. He grew up in Sunrise, Florida, alongside sister Kassidy. His father played professional soccer for Fort Lauderdale Strikers between 1989 and 1994.