Greg Blum and Neil Shaffer have a few weeks to go before they receive their college diplomas. But already they’re professionals.

Specifically, they are now pro soccer players who signed this week with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

“As someone who grew up in the Pittsburgh area, it’s exciting to be playing for the Riverhounds,” said Blum, a former Ambridge High School goalie who’ll soon graduate from Slippery Rock University.

“I’ve been to Riverhounds games over the years, and to now be one of them, it’s a great stepping stone for me.”

“Now I’ll be getting paid for a game I love to play,” said Shaffer, a Beaver grad who’s been playing midfield at Robert Morris University. “One day, I’m hoping to play overseas. So this is chance for me to get my foot in the door.”