Men's Soccer: Geneva's Duncan Turnbull lives his dream, signs with pro team in England

Growing up, all Duncan Turnbull wanted to be was a professional soccer player.

The former Geneva High School and Notre Dame standout goalkeeper has achieved that dream, agreeing to a professional contract with Portsmouth FC of the European Football League.

The deal was announced on Twitter March 12, and runs through the summer of 2021. Part of the Sky Bet League One, Portsmouth FC is currently fourth in the standings at 17-9-9.

As a kid, Turnbull would visit his grandparents who live in Fareham, approximately 10 minutes west of Portsmouth. Turnbull's grandfather had Portsmouth season tickets, and Turnbull went to a handful of games as a spectator.

He now gets to don the blue and red home kit.

"It's kind of funny how it comes full circle," Turnbull said. "It's amazing. It's a huge club. the fans are amazing. The stadium is fantastic. It's a great place to be. Having that family connection is just a little bit of a bonus.

"To not only [become a professional soccer], but to have it happen somewhere where I have those kind of connections, it's phenomenal."

Turnbull played his freshman and junior high school seasons for the Vikings on varsity, and played the other two years for his Sockers FC academy team.

"They were great; I learned a lot," Turnbull said of his high school career. "Playing high school soccer [and] playing with some of your best friends is something you never forget. [I] had a great coach, Ryan Estabrook, who prepared me to make the jump to college."

"[I'm] grateful for everything Geneva gave me when I was there."

Turnbull, a four-year member of the Notre Dame men's soccer team, graduated a semester early in December. In 2019, he started 16 matches in goal and made 49 saves with four shutouts.

The 6-foot-7 Turnbull has been in the U.K. since January, auditioning for different clubs. Turnbull has resided in Portsmouth since approximately the first week of February, and his team trial (tryout period) was initially meant to be for a couple days.

"I did well enough in those couple days where they extended it...they wanted to sign me a couple weeks ago, and then there were just some international clearance issues I had to sort out," Turnbull said. "Then, it went through. I think it was about five weeks until I actually signed."

Turnbull played one game for the reserve team, but players on trial are unable to play for the first team.

While Turnbull's professional career was just about to take off, it now takes an indefinite pause as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip the world.

In the meantime, Portsmouth FC has given the team a couple days off.

"We got tested [for COVID-19] the other day; we're waiting for the results to come back," Turnbull said. "I think once they come back, they'll make decisions on what we're able to do. I think the club just thought it was best to to give us a couple days [off]."

Turnbull is doing workouts at home and running on his own.

"I think everyone is able to stay fit," Turnbull said. "But, there's only so much you can do. It'll be nice to get back into training and get back to work."