How I Earned a NCAA Division 1 Scholarship Playing Pick-Up Soccer

When the Ordinary Turns Extraordinary

The summer of 2016 began like any other—two training sessions a day, grinding in the off-season. At the time, I was 16 playing amateur football in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League in NYC, and was about to join the Development Academy, now MLS Next. Like so many young players, I was chasing a dream.

That’s how I found myself on the pristine fields of an NCAA Division 1 school, training with a friend. I had no idea that this ordinary day would become extraordinary.

A Game of Freedom and Fearlessness

One afternoon, a group of guys approached me. “Want to play pick-up?” they asked. I didn’t hesitate. What I didn’t realize was that these weren’t just random players—they were the core of a Division 1 team destined for the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament the following year. Future MLS pros. But in that moment, none of it mattered.

Wearing my Neymar Jr. Brazil jersey, I stepped onto the field with no expectations. The ball rolled, and I played with freedom. Dribbling through defenders, splitting lines with passes, scoring goals and showing everything I’d worked on for years. That day, I was fearless—and I was the best player on the field.

The Day the Game Spoke for Me

After the game, one of their top players walked over, laughing. “Where are you going to college?” he asked. College? At that time, I didn’t know much about the American soccer structure. My dream was simple: play professionally. “College? I just want to play pro,” I replied. He smiled. “You’ve got to come to our ID Clinic.”

That same weekend, I was personally invited by the captain of the team. The players had convinced their coach to take a chance on this random kid from the park and to let me walk in to the clinic so that he may see me play.

I arrived at the clinic ready to prove myself. While the others arrived in camp gear, I had none. But football speaks louder than appearances. I had been on the field an hour before they even showed up, preparing for my moment.

When the scrimmage came, I waited patiently for my chance. Around the 30th minute, I stepped onto the pitch. The rain began to fall, and with it came one of the most unforgettable performances of my life. Early in the second half, I found myself 1v1 with the keeper after beating two defenders. Without overthinking, I chipped him, celebrated, and pointed to the players who had invited me. They were laughing, I was laughing—it was pure joy.

The game went to penalties. I stepped up as the 4th taker, with the score tied at 3-3. It was the same keeper. Surely, not again, right? Wrong. I chipped him again, and the entire field erupted. Moments like these remind you why we love this game.

Lessons from the Beautiful Game

That summer taught me one of football’s greatest truths: opportunities come in the most unexpected ways. But it’s not just about luck—it’s about being ready.

Here’s what I learned:

Train like someone’s always watching. Every moment on the field is a chance to prepare for what’s next.
Play like you have nothing to lose. Confidence comes from trusting your preparation.
Never underestimate the power of one moment. A single pick-up game changed everything for me.

Your Breakthrough Is Just a Game Away

Football is unpredictable, chaotic, beautiful. It rewards those who are prepared to seize their moments. The clinic ended with conversations with the coaching staff. There was serious interest, and a plan was set for me to join the team after a year in JUCO. Life, of course, had its own plans, leading me to Italy, Honduras, starting a family with 2 kids and a different path. But the lessons of that summer stayed with me. That summer reminded me why I play—for the love of the game, for the joy of the unexpected.

Opportunities don’t wait—they appear in moments, and it’s up to you to be ready. Are you prepared to seize yours? Whether you’re chasing your next breakthrough or refining your skills, the journey begins with action.

👉 Let’s train smarter, play with freedom, and make every moment count.
⚽ Connect with me at porpasionfutboltraining.com for personalized coaching insights or training programs designed to unlock your potential.

Your breakthrough could be just one session—or one game—away.