Saunders started playing college soccer at Cal State Fullerton. After two years, he transferred to University of California-Berkeley. There he became the first goalkeeper in history to be named Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year. He was also named twice to the All Pac 10 First Team. In 2003, he was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in the fourth round of the MLS Superdraft. In 2005, he signed with Los Angeles Galaxy. However, he only appeared with the Reserve Team. He spent the last four seasons on loan with the Portland Timbers. In 2007, he trained with MLS side Chicago Fire during their Preseason Camp, but decided to join the Puerto Rico Islanders for the upcoming season.