IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine men's soccer introduces its newest members beginning with a local product in Ivan Canales looking to provide a solid, foundational center.
The attacking midfielder shone for four years at Junipero Serra High School out of south Orange County beginning with a league title in his freshman season after pouring in 16 goals. Following that, he's been named first team all-league three times, all-county twice, and brought home league MVP honors as a junior where he led the league in scoring.
"I am very tenacious, and always work to achieve what I set out to do," boasted a confident Canales. "I am looking forward to forming part of a top soccer program, and competing against other top institutions."
"Ivan is a creative and talented midfielder. He grew up in a family of older brothers that helped shape his soccer knowledge and love of the game," Head Coach Chris Volk praised.
Striving to be the best is something Canales continuously surrounds himself with. He's been a fixture with West Coast FC and coach Neil Armour since the age of eight while fulfilling a goal of taking home a national championship in 2013, and has sought out the best soccer even when he's not playing heading overseas to catch the 2012 Champions League Final.
"At UC Irvine, I am looking forward to interacting with different students with different backgrounds and working towards my degree."
"His passion and commitment to learning has made Ivan a respected player amongst his club and high school teammates and coaches, Neil Armour and Oliver Wyss. We are excited to have Ivan become a member of the UC Irvine Men's Soccer program."
Canales noted that his career goal is to become successful no matter what avenue he decides to pursue.
"I chose UC Irvine because it is a great academic school that will challenge me to set goals in life and work towards achieving them. UC Irvine also offers Division I sports, and has grown to become successful in many different sports."
Multiple factors went into the scholar-athlete's decision to attend UCI, and the proximity adds to it as the Santa Ana-native's following will be there every step of the way helping electrify Anteater Stadium.
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