2024:
- Appeared in 11 games while starting four
- Scored first collegiate goal against Sacred Heart (Sept. 21)
2023:
2022:
- Appeared in 13 games.
- Made first career start in the game at Columbia.
High School: Scored 16 goals and had 46 points in three seasons at Milton Academy (senior season was canceled due to pandemic)… Selected to the All-American Game Watchlist as a junior… Helped lead Milton Academy to the finals of the NEPSAC Tournament as a junior… Team posted a 40-8-12 record in his three seasons… Selected as an ISL Projected Best XI and an MLS Next Player to Watch by the New England Soccer Journal in 2020.
Club: Played 10 games with Seacoast United Academy and had 10 points (4 goals, 2 assists)… In 48 games in the GPS, scored 18 goals and added 20 assists… Helped GPS club win NPL national championship in 2017 and ENPL national title in 2018.
ODP: Played ODP for two years and was selected to Region I team.
Notes: Selected by FC Barcelona youth coaching staff to travel and compete in a tournament in Barcelona… Two Time Invitee to US Soccer National Training Centers… Two training stints with GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Personal: Established a donation program, collecting soccer equipment and providing it to underprivileged youth programs in Morocco, where his father is from… Has played for teams in Croatia and Germany.
3 QUESTIONS FOR JAY
Biggest soccer influence? “Mesut Ozil. He has found success as an attacking midfielder by not only finding dangerous pockets of space but also using his creativity to be effective on the ball and in front of goal. I study his style of play often because I see myself as someone who can contribute to the game in similar ways.”
Do you have an idol or hero? “Aside from my parents, I would say Tom Brady. Although his deep level of concentration has led him to some extraordinary feats, he remains focused on his craft and hungry to accomplish more. This elite mentality has allowed him to thrive on the biggest stage for over two decades. As a Boston native, I have grown up watching him play and I try to implement that mindset in all aspects of my life.”
Why Yale? “Yale is everything I am looking for in a school. Its world-class academic resources, rich tradition, supportive community and outstanding soccer program set the tone for excellence. These elements will not only allow me to develop into a prominent member of society but will also help me to succeed as an aspiring soccer player.”
Stannard on Jay: “Aydin brings versatility to the midfield and is fairly two-footed which makes him a little unpredictable. He is a possession based player that has a good idea of when we need to play forward quickly in transition but also smart and composed when we need to slow the game down at times. He does well to make runs off the ball after he passes which creates space and asks different questions of the opponent. One of my favorite things about Aydin is how passionate he is about the game. He has been very committed to challenging himself to develop this past year during his gap year, including professional academy settings in Croatia and Germany. He will push some of our younger guys and add strong depth to our midfield.”
