Noah Abrams is a goalkeeper from New York who currently plays for USL Championship side Miami FC. Like many players in the United Soccer League pyramid, the 24-year-old is hungry to continue making soccer his profession for the foreseeable future.

Despite being 24 years old, Abrams is a journeyman who has traveled as far as England and Israel to play the beautiful game at the highest level.

Noah Abrams: Early goalkeeping days

Abrams' goalkeeping career began getting serious in 2012 when he joined Tottenham Hotspur Youth Academy as a 12-year-old. He also played at Arsenal and Chelsea's academies during his ten-year tenure in London, England.

"Growing up in a country where football is truly in people's blood was a special experience," said Abrams. "Moving to London at the age of five was the perfect age to fall in love with the game as a fan and athlete."

In 2014, he moved back to the USA to attend boarding school and go to college instead of turning pro.

Abrams played high school at Berkshire School and club at Black Rock FC in Massachusetts. He wore the captain's armband on both teams for several years before leaping to the college level.

Before attending college, Abrams returned to England to play for Crystal Palace U-23 in the second half of the 2016-17 season. There, he trained with the first team during small-sided games and shooting drills.

When asked who is the best striker he has ever faced, his response was quick.

"Christian Benteke strikes the ball harder than anyone I have faced so far in my career," recalls Abrams. "It was such a surreal and beneficial experience to practice with world-class players before I even attended college."

Abrams joined NCAA Division one soccer program at Northeastern University in Fall 2017. The New York native was a two-year starter who posted a .686 save percentage across 20 collegiate games from 2017 through 2019. Moreover, he joined Houston Dynamo U23 for four months for more experience while attending college.

Noah Abrams: A step into the professional world

Life in the professional world has not been easy for Abrams.

He joined Israeli second division side Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam during the Covid-19 pandemic after training with USL Championship's Loudoun United in 2020.

A year later, he returned to the USA to play for Loudoun United. He was an unused substitute for eight games before landing his professional debut on September 9, 2021.

"My professional debut was something I will never forget, for good and bad reasons," said Abrams.

At the time, Abrams practiced with Loudoun's parent club DC United to fill in as a practice goalkeeper while Bill Hamid was hurt. The New York native recalls long commutes, constant scorching hot weather and intense small-sided shooting drills with some of MLS's finest ball hitters.

September 9, 2021, was no different from the other days. Abrams commuted from Loudoun to Washington DC. He practiced for the day and returned to join the Loudoun squad ahead of the game.

However, Noah received a message communicating that he would start his first professional game due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the team. The opportunity Abrams wished for his whole life arrived, but not in the way he envisioned growing up.

At the time, Loudoun sat at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table and had to face an in-form Charlotte Independence side that finished fourth in the east with a +31 goal differential – third-best overall. That, and the outbreak in the team left Loudoun at a vast disadvantage.

Nonetheless, Abrams strapped on his gloves and fought through the adversity. The then 23-year-old keeper made eight saves, despite conceding five goals. It is also worth mentioning Loudoun played a man down for a little over 70 minutes of the game.

"I knew I was ready," said Abrams. "I was very happy with how I played, and it has only further motivated me to strive for more success."

Noah Abrams: The present and future

Abrams now plays for Miami FC. Like during his time at Loudoun, the 24-year-old is working hard every day in training to prepare himself for his first opportunity in South Florida.

He plans to continue playing professional football but admitted that constantly being signed on one-year contracts is a harsh reality.

"I hope I can still be playing professional football at the highest level," said Abrams. "But being a professional footballer on a one-year contract can be mentally tough."

However, Abrams has another option in his mind if playing professional soccer does not play out. Growing up with a father who works in the sports industry, Abrams has developed a love for being an agent.

"I feel like the football journey I have been on as well as my personality and traits are best suited to guide and mentor young players as an agent," said Abrams. "I'm excited to see what the future holds."

How to watch USL Championship games

You can watch players like Abrams play in the USL Championship exclusively on ESPN+ in the USA.