OEDERAN, Germany --- It only took a single season for Ruben Neubauer to prove that he could be a major difference maker for a collegiate soccer team.

A center back who earned a promotion to the German U-19 Youth Bundesliga after playing with the Chemnitz U-17 and U-19 teams, Neubauer inserted himself into NCAA Division II soccer by signing with Fort Lewis College of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. His smooth transition to the new level resulted in 20 starts and over 1,700 minutes played as a true freshman, so Head Coach Torrey Stricklin is assured that Neubauer will be a solid contributor for the Eagles.  

"Ruben had known of Biola before ever coming to the U.S. for college last year, so it certainly seems like God had a unique plan for Ruben to end up at Biola for this upcoming year," said Coach Stricklin. "Ruben proved last year that he is more than capable of playing college soccer at a high level. He fits exactly what we need positionally on the field and his personality is going to be a great addition in the locker room as well. We look forward to welcoming him to Biola."

Neubauer helped the Skyhawks to the second round of the RMAC tournament and an 11-5-4 overall record during his first year in the United States. In addition to starting every match of the 2019 season, the defender played 90 minutes or more in 14 contests and his stabilizing presence on the backline resulted in a noticeable improvement for his previous team: the Skyhawks went from four shutouts in 2018 to 10 clean sheets with Neubauer in the starting XI.

But Neubauer was not ready to settle for personal success or even an impressive run at a conference tournament. He wanted to maximize his chances of winning conference titles and earning bids to national tournaments, and he felt joining the Eagles' burgeoning program would help him do just that. 

"I cannot wait to be part of the university and soccer program," said Neubauer. "I am excited to play for a conference championship while also being part of a Christian community. Being at Biola will help me grow my faith, as well as to help me to grow as a person.
 
Neubauer is currently determining whether he will join the Eagles this January or this coming Fall. He plans to major in engineering and is eager to grow in Biola's Christian environment after participating in the Reach college ministry at Fort Lewis. 
 
More information on the rest of the student-athletes that will join him at Biola in 2021-22 can be found on the Committed Athletes page.