Senior Paul Geyer had done absolutely everything to prepare for his next upcoming game.  He grabbed all his gear, and made his way to the field.  As Geyer walked through the doors, he looked around and took in every second. He was getting the chance to play at Anfield, Liverpool’s home stadium.

“That is by far one of my most memorable moments throughout my whole soccer career,” Geyer said. “I will never forget that moment.”

Geyer grew up in England, Liverpool and moved to America on Jun. 20, 2012, leaving behind his parents.  Geyer now lives with his grandmother.

“I left because I just got the opportunity and decided to take it and not to waste it,” Geyer said.

He has been playing soccer ever since the age of three.

“I was drawn to the sport when I saw kids in the street playing,” Geyer said.  “I thought well if those kids can do it, why can’t I?”.

Geyer is a center midfielder for the U18 Sacramento United Reds, but he does not play for the school.

“I needed a break, [because]I had a very long season and needed to take some time off so my body could fully recover,” Geyer said.

Geyer absolutely loves the game and hopes to continue his soccer career and play in college.

“I would like to play in college, I’m not sure where, but basically anywhere that will offer me a scholarship,” Geyer said.

There comes a time in every athletes life when they choose to either discontinue their involvement of a sport or choose to go on to the next level and play in college.

It is extremely tough to become a college athlete, as only few make it to that level, let alone the 2% of athletes who go on to become scholar athletes.

Athletes can go on to play for NAIA, Divison III, Division II, or Division I schools.  They can either be walk ons, where they are not given any money or the can receive a partial or full scholarship.

Division 1 soccer colleges are of the highest level in collegiate soccer and they offer the highest paying scholarships.

Division II soccer colleges are a little less intense than D1 schools, but they still give out scholarship opportunities.

Division III soccer colleges are the most relaxed, but are still competitive, soccer scholarships are not available for D3 schools but financial aid can still be obtained.

Lastly is NAIA, it is completely separated from NCAA and the average competition level is between D2 and D3.

Along with Geyer, senior Eric Gylling hopes to play in college also.

“I have not committed yet but I am talking to some Ivy Leagues, University of Washington, some smaller privates, UC Davis and couple others,” Gylling said.

Gylling has been playing soccer for 13 years and currently plays on the San Juan Academy team.

Similarly to Geyer, Gylling does not play for the school.

“I can not play for Rio due to USSDA, US Soccer Development Academy rules, which state that all academy players are not allowed to play high school soccer,” Gylling said.

Gylling was originally drawn to the sport when he started playing for Arden Parks Recreational league.

“Once I got to higher and higher levels, my love for the sport grew more and more,” Gylling said.

Gylling plays center back on his academy team but believes that he will play center midfield or outside back in college.

Both boys are striving to better their game so they can fully prepare themselves for the years ahead.