Nathan Sturgis
Position: Defender
Height: 5-10
Weight: 150 lbs.
Born: July 6, 1987
Hometown: St. Augustine, Fla.
Club: Real Salt Lake (MLS)
A versatile player who is good with both feet, Sturgis can play on the outside flank, at center back or as a defensive midfielder. As smart defender who reads the game well, Sturgis can accurately play balls out of the back line that help jump start his team's attack.
- Part of U.S. Soccer's Under-17 Residency Program for two years.
- Was a first-round, eighth overall, pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, taken by the L.A. Galaxy and was traded, along with teammate Robbie Findley, to Real Salt Lake in 2007.
- Appeared in fourteen MLS games total in 2007, playing five times with Real Salt Lake and eight times with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
U.S. National Teams - Under-20s: Was key part of defensive line during the 2007 Under-20 World Cup, starting all five games ... Helped team advance to quarterfinals... Played every minute of the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in January 2007... Was injured early in the 2006 season ... made one appearance, the USA's 2-1 victory over Guatemala ... Played in three games of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship... Played in 14 matches in 2005, starting 12 ... In 2004, was among the highest on the team with 13 games played for the U-20s at 17-years-old ... Scored first goal on a 20-yard shot in to the upper-left corner against Poland in a 2-2 draw at the Busan International Tournament ... Under-17s: Joined the Under-17 Residency Program in August 2003 ... Had 27 appearances with the team in 2003 and 2004 ... Started seven internationals ... Scored one goal against Brazil at the 2003 Nike Friendlies in a 2-1 loss.
Professional - 2007: Traded to Real Salt Lake in June 2007 along with Olympic Qualifying teammate Robbie Findley ... Made five appearances with his new club in 2007 after making nine for the LA Galaxy before the trade ... 2006: Drafted in the first round, 12th overall by the L.A. Galaxy in 2006... Started 15 games before a season-ending injury during his rookie campaign.
College - Played freshman and sophomore seasons at Clemson in 2004-05 ... Started 40 of his 41 appearances for Clemson ... 2005: Was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in addition to earning spots on the All-ACC First Team and NSCAA All-American Third Team ... Started all 23 games in his second and final season for Clemson while helping the Tigers reach the NCAA Men's College Cup semifinals ... Finished the season with two goals and seven assists ... 2004: Made 18 appearances (17 starts) as a freshman for the Tigers ... Earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors.
Personal
Was a standout prep player in Florida for both Nease H.S. in Jacksonville, Fla., and Edison Academic Center in Bradenton, which he attended while at the U.S. U-17 Residency Program ... Was a member of the 2003 NSCAA All-American and Parade Magazine All-American Teams ... Helped Nease to the Florida State Finals ... Played club soccer for the First Coast Kyx of Jacksonville ... Named to the '87 adidas All-Star Team that toured Germany, Holland and Belgium in 2003 ... Also participated on the Florida and Region III Olympic Development Program (ODP) squads.