The Harsh Truth: Why College Soccer Is (Usually) a Waste of Time If You Want to Play Pro Football:

 

 

Let’s Cut Through the Noise

I’m Eric Friedlander, founder of RicFit, former professional footballer, and someone who’s lived through the U.S. college soccer grind.

I did everything “right.” Trained every day. Played for a top youth club. Got recruited by D1 schools. I committed to the University at Buffalo, thinking it was my best shot at going pro.

But once I got there, I realized the truth:

College soccer isn’t built to help you turn pro.

The level wasn’t what I expected. The structure didn’t challenge me. I was losing momentum. That’s when I made the bold decision to go to Germany…and it changed everything.

Most of my old teammates stayed in college and got stuck. Meanwhile, players in Europe were already signing pro contracts at 17, getting real match experience, and building careers.

 

Here’s what I learned:

If your dream is to become a professional footballer, college soccer is usually the wrong move.

It’s not your fault. The system wasn’t made for you.

If deep down you know you’re meant for more: this article is for you.

Why College Soccer Fails to Prepare You for Professional Football

Let’s look at the structure.

In the U.S. college system:

You train once a day (if that)

You have short seasons packed into 3–4 months

NCAA rules limit how much you can train

Games have unlimited substitutions

Compare that to Europe:

Players train twice a day from age 15

The environment is tactical, intense, and built for growth

Every match counts: points, bonuses, careers are on the line

College has great facilities and meal plans: but that’s not what makes you a pro.

What you need is:

Decision-making under pressure

Tactical discipline

Match experience

Professional habits

You don’t get that by playing weekend college tournaments.

 

The College Soccer Timeline: Why You’re Losing Critical Years

Time is everything in football.

College Route: You start at 18 and finish at 22. That’s four short seasons of part-time football.

European Route: Players sign at 16–17. By 21, they’ve played over 100 competitive matches.

By the time most U.S. college players start looking for pro contracts, European players are already seasoned pros.

Football doesn’t wait.

If you’re not playing in a serious, competitive system by your early twenties, you’re already behind.

 

College Soccer vs Pro Pathway: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s look at the reality:

430,000+ high school boys play soccer in the U.S.

25,000 go on to play in college

Around 90 get drafted to MLS

A tiny handful get signed—and most don’t last

Now look at Europe:

Players are signed at 15–17

They’re either developed or cut

It’s brutal, but real—and that’s where actual opportunities exist

If you’re serious about going pro, you can’t afford to waste time on a broken pipeline.

The Harsh Reality Behind the MLS Draft for College Players

The MLS Draft sounds like the dream. But here’s the truth:

Most picks don’t get signed

If they do, it’s often low-paying contracts

Many are cut before the season even begins

You spent four years preparing for a “chance” that might not last four months.

What if you’d used that time to:

Get match film in Europe

Train in a pro system

Build real connections with coaches and agents?

That’s the difference between hoping for a shot and building your future.

Should You Choose College Soccer for Education or a Pro Career?

If your top goal is education, cool. College is a valid choice.

But let’s be honest:

You can always get a degree

Online learning and scholarships are everywhere

But you only get one shot at a football career

You don’t play it safe and go pro.

If you’re serious, you can’t hedge your bets.

 Better Alternatives to College Soccer if You Want to Play Professionally

Here’s what we recommend for serious players:

1. Move to Europe (ASAP)

Countries like Germany, Sweden, Latvia, and Portugal are accessible

Get match film, train in a pro setup, and learn their system

Build the Right Network

You need mentors, agents, and coaches who’ve been there

RicFit helps connect players to those people

3. Train Like a Pro Every Day

Strength, speed, tactics, recovery, nutrition, every area matters

4. Create Remote Income Streams

Financial stress kills football dreams

We help players build income online to stay focused on training

5. Stay in the Shop Window

Film every match

Attend combines and trials

Build your football resume and be ready when the opportunity comes

How RicFit Helps You Skip College Soccer and Go Pro

At RicFit, we help you skip the detours and take the direct route to pro football.

We offer:

Elite Performance Coaching (gym, pitch, speed)

Tactical & Mental Training

Trial Opportunities in Europe

Remote Income Coaching so you can stay focused abroad

Real RicFit Success Stories

Pablo Sabbag (Pro in South Korea)

Skipped the college route. Boosted Transfermarkt value by 600%.

“RicFit brought me to another level physically and mentally.”

Samuel Kroon (Sweden’s Superettan)

Jumped from 5th tier to 1st league without college.

“The biggest difference has been training structure and the team around me.”

Osaze Urhoghide (MLS – FC Dallas)

Moved through UK lower leagues. Never went to college.

“RicFit helped me stay in peak condition for my moment.”

Final Word: Why Skipping College Soccer Might Be the Smartest Choice

This path isn’t easy. But neither is being stuck in a system that doesn’t support your dream.

Be brave enough to bet on yourself

. Train like a pro. Move where the football is.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and know how to help.

Your dream is worth it.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Playing Pro Football?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably not average.

You’ve got the vision. Now let’s build the plan.

On a free call with RicFit, we’ll:

Break down your current situation

Identify your roadblocks

Map out a custom plan to go pro

Show you how we support you with training, trials, and income

📲 Book your free call now: