WHAT THE COACHES SAY: "He's going to have to improve his left foot … Good defender, likes to go forward … Right-sided center back … The best defender in the Patriot League … Probably have to be a right back at the next level, potentially a holding midfielder … Trained with Sporting KC, D.C. United … Has opportunities back home in Chile, but enjoys life in the US and hopes to build his career here ... Slow on the turn. Tough time seeing him in MLS."
COLLEGE: Named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List ahead of the 2013 season ... started 18 of AU's 20 matches, scoring three goals (two PKs) and drawing six cautions and one red card … served as Eagles co-captain alongside goalkeeper Billy Knutsen ... 2012: Appeared and started in all 19 games for American, scoring two goals … Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, All-Patriot League First Team, Patriot League All-Tournament Team … 2011: Selected to the All-Patriot League First Team … played in 20 matches (19 starts) as the anchor of AU’s defense … 2010: Played in all 19 matches for the Eagles, including 16 starts … played 1,543 minutes, third-most on the team.
HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB: Played for St. George’s College, one of Santiago's elite schools … Spent three years in the system at Chilean powerhouse Universidad Catolica.
PERSONAL: Business administration major who has already begun his youth coaching career in Washington, D.C. ... Brother signed a pro contract in Chile at age 16 but was dropped at 19, making education a high priority for Cristobal and leading to his NCAA career … American's recruiting was fast-laned when Soto took part in the Disney Soccer Showcase in Florida as a guest player with Bethesda SC (Md.) ... Mother, Soledad Ortiz, played volleyball in college … father, Valentin Soto, competed in basketball in college.
LINKS:
Soto's interview with "Chilean Footballers Around the World" (Spanish)