Youth and college Villanueva grew up in
Grand Prairie, Texas, and attended
South Grand Prairie High School, where he was a three-time NSCAA All-American, an adidas ESP Invitee and adidas All-Star, was named to the Parade All-America team as the top midfielder in the country as a senior, and was rated as the nation's top soccer recruit by School Sports Magazine. He subsequently played four years of
college soccer at the
University of Virginia, being named to the ACC All-Freshman Team following his debut season in 2006, to the ACC All-Tournament team as a junior in 2008, and being named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player after leading UVA to the 2009 NCAA College Cup.
Professional Surprisingly un-drafted out of college, Villanueva turned professional in 2010 when he signed with the
Richmond Kickers of the
USL Second Division. He made his professional debut on April 24, 2010, in a league match against the
Charlotte Eagles, and scored his first professional goal on May 21, 2010, also in a game against Charlotte. At the end of the 2010 season, Villaneuva's contract was not renewed. == Personal life ==