A. J. Soares

Anthony James "A.J." Soares (born November 28, 1988) is an American retired soccer player who played as a defender for Orange County Blue Star, New England Revolution, Viking and AGF.

Early life, college and amateur

Soares was born in Solana Beach, California. He attended Torrey Pines High School where he was the captain for his junior and senior seasons, and won the 2005 Division 1 CIF Championship.

He played college soccer at the University of California, Berkeley. As the Cal co-captain in 2010, Soares was named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America First Team All American, Pac-10 Player of the Year, Goal.com Player of the Year. Soares entered college at California as an attacking player, but head coach Kevin Grimes converted him to a central defender because of his size and strength. However, he still managed to score five goals in his final collegiate season while anchoring a stingy Bear defense; during this campaign, he was named a semifinalist for the 2010 Hermann Trophy.

In 2010 Soares made one appearance for Orange County Blue Star in the USL Premier Development League.

Professional

Soares was chosen by New England Revolution as the sixth overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He was voted New England's Defensive MVP in 2011. Soares started and played the entire 2014 MLS Cup. Soares was voted "Player's Player" and Defender of the Year for New England in 2014.

In February 2015, Soares was presented as the newest addition to the Norwegian Tippeligaen club Viking FK. In July 26, 2016, Soares signed a two-year contract with AGF.

In November 2016, he retired from professional football, due to a serious head injury.

Soares' father is Portuguese and was born in the Azores. He also holds an Italian passport.