UC Santa Barbara
2016: Appeared in 10 games and started eight ... Did not record a point.
2015: As a true freshman, made 20 appearances for the Gauchos with 10 starts ... Operated as a center back, right back, and forward ... Scored two goals for four points ... Took a total of seven shots with four going on frame ... Logged a total of 1,134 minutes on the field ... Made his collegiate debut in the season opener against Stanford as a center back ... Scored off a corner kick against College of Charleston on Sept. 18 in the sixth minute for his first NCAA goal ... Also grabbed the opener in a 4-0 blowout against San Diego on Sept. 27, knocking home a rebound off a Kevin Feucht free kick.
Team USA / Real So Cal / San Marcos HS
Attended San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara and starred for the academy team Real So Cal ... Was called to suit up for the U-23 US Men's National Team on Apr. 22, 2015 in a friendly against Mexico, one of just two college players (Jordan Morris) on the roster ... Has received two caps at the U-23 national level ... Before playing for Real So Cal, spent time with Santa Barbara Soccer Club ... Served as captain for Real So Cal ... Scored seven goals in 18 games during the 2014-15 academy season at the U-18 level ... Netted nine times in 26 games during the 2013-14 season at the U-18 level ... Played alongside Justin Vom Steeg with Real ... Real So Cal made the playoffs in each of his three years with the squad ... Was an ODP Regional team member each year from 2010-12 ... Made the All-Region Tournament Team in 2011 and 2012 ... In his club career, played against opponents such as the LA Galaxy Academy, Real Salt Lake Academy, and French U-23 National Team ... Played one year of his school soccer with the Royals ... Also wrestled and played field hockey during his time at San Marcos ... Was rated as a three-star recuit by Top Drawer Soccer.
Personal
Sam Strong was born on Aug. 23, 1996 to parents Vida and Mike in Santa Barbara, Calif. ... Has one older brother, Joe ... Aspires to be a professional soccer player and/or entrepreneur ... When not playing soccer, he is exercising and/or hanging out with friends ... Can't do without his headphones ... Before a game, he relaxes and "gets in the zone" ... Can best be described as motivated, loyal, and creative ... His most memorable moment is starting a game for the U-23 US Men's National Team ... Would love to play with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo ... His favorites sports team is the USMNT ... Calls Liverpool and Slovak center back Martin Skrtel his favorite athlete ... Enjoys watching Scarface ... Mr. Robot is his favorite show ... His favorite read is A Million Little Pieces by James Frey.
