Born in Stokesdale and raised in Rockingham County, Rafael Cruz has made a name for himself as one of the top goalkeepers in North Carolina.

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  Rafael began his youth development at United Rockingham (URYSA), and in that time went on to win multiple regional and state competitions. At the youth academy, he would develop a now trademark instinct of collecting crosses and shutting out free kick specialists.

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 At McMichael High School, he would also go on to captain their Varsity team for 3 years. By the end of his senior year, Rafael was awarded All-Conference (Mid-State 2A), 2021 MVP, and All-State. In those three seasons, he averaged a region-high 86.2 save percentage from 173 shots on target. Earning him the attention of multiple top-level colleges. Fall 0f 2023 marked his second year as the starting goalkeeper at Louisburg College.

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  In 2024, Central Raleigh FC announced the signing Rafael Cruz. This move brings another top-level talent to the City of Oaks, building onto the already superb unit of First Team goalkeepers.