A few years ago, Brian Wood was considered one of the best soccer players in the United States. He started playing with AYSO when he was 5. He was a good player and was noticed by recruiters.

That led to stints as a professional player on teams in Budapest, Hungary, and the United States. For four years, with time off for a couple of injuries and rehab, he played overseas.

“That was a big part of my life,” he says. “It isn’t anymore. But my time in Europe definitely made me what I am.”

When he returned from Europe, Wood and his mother opened a Maid Brigade franchise for a short time. Today he is a Realtor, partner with Jim Abbott & Assoc./Prudential California Realty where he was designated as a top producer and named to the Chairman’s Circle in 2005.

Wood, 27, expects he always will be immersed in “real estate in some fashion.” He calls a condo at the converted El Cortez home and enjoys living Downtown.

Although playing professional soccer is in his past, the game continues to be part of his life. He is the girls’ varsity soccer coach at Temecula Valley High School, his alma mater. He also coordinates and runs soccer camps around the county for players from 8 to 18.

He volunteers in many non-soccer organizations, including the Downtown Partnership’s Clean & Safe program board and San Diego Youth & Community Services. Wood is single.