Fresno Pacific Athletics

FRESNO, CA -- The NAIA men's soccer Final Four kicks off on Friday (Dec. 4), a quartet of teams dreaming of a national title. And while Lindsey Wilson, Simon Fraser, Rio Grande and The Master's battle at Ramirez Field, the players on those teams might be chasing other dreams -- of a professional career.

The recent success of former Fresno Pacific All-American Pablo Campos -- who earned a Major League Soccer championship ring as a member of Real Salt Lake two weeks ago -- reinforces the reality of
that dream.

Indeed, the NAIA website has compiled a list -- albeit a few years old -- of several dozen players who have graduated from NAIA schools to the professional ranks.

That list includes Fresno Pacific's Orlando Ramirez, now a Sunbirds assistant coach, and Milton Blanco, who both played in the MLS.  An updated list would add Campos, who this season scored a couple of goals -- both game-winners -- in 11 games for Real Salt Lake after being traded from San Jose.

"When players hear about guys so close to their age and generation [playing professionally], it becomes something tangible to them," said Sunbirds coach Jaime Ramirez, the Fresno soccer icon for whom Ramirez Field is named.

"They get a sense of hope and aspiration. They think, 'Maybe I can get an opportunity some day beyond my college days."

Those opportunities became more realistic with the presence of MLS representatives in the stands this week. Ramirez said Kansas City, Columbus and Seattle scouts were present the first three days.

"Not long ago they were not even looking at us," Ramirez said. "This week there were three MLS teams here looking at our players and who knows if someone else will be out for the semis and final."

The 2009 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship semifinal action begins at 2 p.m. Friday when No. 1 seed Lindsey Wilson takes on No. 5 Simon Fraser. Rio Grande, the No. 3 seed, faces No. 15 The Master's at 4:30.

The championship game is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday.