Cyrus Neghabat '23 Recruiting Profile

I have lived away from home and family since I was 14 years old, to pursue my dream of becoming a professional soccer player.  3 years later, I’m proud to not only be recognized by IMG Top Drawer Soccer as a Top 50 defender in the US according to national Top Drawer soccer scouting. Part of IMG 200 class of 2023.  But, I am also ranked in the Top 13% of my class at Erie High School (52nd out of 380 Seniors graduating in 2023). Above grades and athletic achievements, I believe its self discipline and character that helps you succeed long term.

I spent 2 years at Barca Residency Academy, in Casa Grande Arizona. Living the residency academy life and learning and playing with some of the best coaches and players at my level. For my Junior year, with a focus on finding the right college, I transferred to Real Colorado's u19 MLS. With college recruiting opened up, as my Senior year w MLSNext begins, & scouts at our games, it's a pleasure to field calls, texts, and emails from Division I programs looking for outside backs with speed and touch and decision making skills at the next level. Its been rewarding to field these messages and develop these relationships! The sacrifices I've made to this point, being away from home for 3 years now, have all been worthwhile because of the fact that after receiving multiple D1 offers, I have decided to commit to CalPoly SLO to further my academic and athletic career! I am so excited to finish up my club commitments at Real Colorado culminating in the MLSNext Cup in Dallas in June of 2023 and head down to beautiful SLO to begin the next phase in my journey to play for the CalPoly Mustangs, super excited about playing for Coach Oige Kennedy.

I don't know where my dream will take me, but I know the journey will make me a stronger man. It hasn't always been easy. I'm the youngest 2004 player at every level I've played. With a Dec 30th birthday, but I haven't let it slow me down or discourage me. I love the game of Soccer. I started playing when I was 2 years old. My dad taught me how to play. He coached me at an early age. When I'm on the field, in-between the white lines, everything is alright. It just makes sense. Its home for me. No matter the level of play, I've always adapted, always adjusted, & always raised my game to exceed expectations. My coaches always say beyond talent and skill, my ability to adopt a coaches tactics is a great trait. I know I'll land somewhere whether its college D1, MLS, or Germany. To me, chasing my dream is not a short term goal. Its a lifelong journey. And wherever I land I intend to make the most of it. Soccer is my passion, & I'm grateful to be able to live out my dream.

Today, I live with a host family and play and train in Denver, CO with head coach Danny Bills at #2 nationally ranked Real Colorado MLSNext u19. 3 years of living away from home, my friends and family live still live on Bainbridge Island WA. But that's ok with me. I know the level of sacrifice and I'm making that sacrifice. Every day. I compete and train against some of the best players at my age group and beyond. My dad always tells me "iron sharpens iron". I now understand and appreciate what that means. As a 17 year old with my Junior Year behind me ,  I wake up every morning and play for Coach Danny Bills, someone I respect and admire because he has built a clear winning program here in Colorado over the last 10  years, he has stayed with the same team and sent numerous players onto D1 schools and onto MLS.  My goals and objectives are clear. I believe its important to have something to fall back on academically too, in case or when my soccer playing days are over. So, I will get my 4 year degree from and then enter the MLS Draft. I'd like to own my own company someday. I've thought about different types of businesses that I could start, & I hope to use my experiences to help others.  I will be studying Business Entrepreneurship at CalPoly SLO starting in the fall of 2023.