Third-year forward Daniel Goba only played in four games for the University of Rhode Island men’s soccer team this past season before undergoing a health scare, and while Goba’s season may have been over, his career and life might’ve been saved.
Goba grew up in North Kingstown, which is approximately 15 minutes away from URI. His collegiate career began at Salve Regina University, where he played two seasons before transferring to URI.
“Growing up in Rhode Island, being a local guy, I always wanted to play for URI,” Goba said. “So this was a huge deal for me.”
Goba had no problem adjusting to the Division I level, as he made an immediate impact by scoring a goal in his URI debut against Iona University. Goba continued to be an influential player for the Rams when he scored his second goal against Providence College on Sept. 1.
The following week, Goba had a fainting episode that led to a cut on his head. On Sept. 7, the URI athletic staff referred Goba to South County Hospital.
Rhode Island had a match against St. John’s University on Sept. 8, and Goba’s main concern at the time was to get stitched and play in the game the following day.
“I texted the coaches and told them I was going to be coming, but I might have to drive myself,” Goba said. “I had the address for the hotel and everything ready to go.”
At South County Hospital, Goba received a C.T. scan that revealed a precancerous Stage 2 glioma tumor in his frontal lobe. Goba was transferred to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and on Sep. 9, he underwent open brain surgery to remove the tumor.
When the rest of the Rams heard about the news, they immediately showed an outpouring of love and support for their teammate and friend.
“Life is fragile,” URI Head Coach Gareth Elliott said. “We get caught up in the wins and losses, and here’s a young man who’s going through something extremely difficult and scary at the same time.”
Third-year midfielder Connor Froberg went to high school with Goba and is one of his closest friends. Froberg, along with other members of the Rams, left early on the day of the St. John’s game to visit Goba at Hasbro Children’s Hospital before his surgery. Rhode Island would go on to defeat the Johnnies 2-1. Goba’s surgery was successful, and he has been on the road to recovery ever since.
Despite Goba’s season being over, he still regularly showed up to practices and engaged in what team activities he could, given his restrictions.
“It could’ve been so much worse,” Goba said. “It was definitely a blessing in disguise and definitely gave me a lot of perspective on what’s important in life… It could’ve been a stage three tumor, which would’ve required intensive radiation and chemotherapy, so I’m super lucky in that sense.”
Goba is in physical therapy once a week and is back in the gym and working hard at making a full recovery in order to get back on the pitch.
“They told me three months post-surgery, I should be cleared for contact 11 vs. 11 soccer,” Goba said. “During our spring season, my goal is to appear in a game.”
Goba is fully expecting to be back for the entirety of the 2026 fall season and is looking to pick up right where he left off.
