NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-American Team
Freshman Fernando Gutierrez (Ibiza, Spain/I.E.S. Algarb) of the Marshalltown Community College Men's Soccer team has been named to the NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-American Second-Team, becoming the eighth player in program history to earn All-American honors
Fellow teammate Rafael Pereira (Lisbon, Portugal/Escola Secundaria Vergilio Ferreira) was named to the NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-American First-Team. FULL STORY
"I am very appreciative to the All American committee for having recognized two of our student- athletes this year," MCC head coach Rafael Martinez stated. "Both Rafa and Fernando have been instrumental pieces of one of the best defenses in the country, but certainly not the only MCC Tigers who have reached great levels of performance this year. This is a recognition to individuals who have been supported by a team, a great team."
"On the first day of preseason we had a meeting in front of all the team trophies and individual diplomas at the Lobby of the Student Activity Center," Martinez added. "There, we spoke about the connection between individual recognitions and team accomplishments. Individuals need the work of all their teammates, their team, to be recognized, and teams need every individual to reach their full potential in order to become special. This year's conference championship, undefeated regular season, and Rafa and Fernando's All American selections demonstrate that link."
"I am especially proud of the fact that Rafa and Fernando have been great leaders of this team. They have worked very hard to improve their game but also taken the time to help their teammates in practice and off of the field."
Gutierrez appeared in all but two games on the year, starting 18 contests. The freshman recorded one goal and two assists from the backline. His lone goal came as the game-winner in a 3-1 win at Iowa Lakes Community College on Oct. 20.
Gutierrez helped command a defensive unit that allowed the fewest goals among any team in the nation with nine while their 0.41 goals against average was also the best mark nationally. The team's 13 shutouts were second of any team.
"This is a great award for me, being new to the program, new to the country, it makes for a great season," Gutierrez exclaimed. "But this is a family thing and this award is for the team. They made this possible. It would have been impossible without them."
Gutierrez commended the coaching staff for a record-breaking season. "We have to recognize the coaches work because they kept us going all year long. They helped us get better from day one by improving our skills throughout the season. They are always willing to help. It's a great staff, it's truly been an amazing four months with them."
As for Pereira earning first-team honors, Gutierrez recognized the freshman as one of the best keepers to play alongside. "When Rafa (Pereira) was in net, I felt comfortable in the field knowing that he is behind me. I never had to worry- every shot, every corner, we were all very comfortable because we knew what he is capable of. He is a great communicator which helped build a compact unit. The defense itself was a small little family, and you could see that on the field. We were very close."
"Each and every game, Rafa and I lived by one motto- 'Not today'. It helped motivate each of us throughout the season to strive for a shutout."
Gutierrez becomes just the second NJCAA Second-Team All-American in program history, joining former Tiger Juan Carrillo who earned second-team honors in 2013.
Pereira and Gutierrez become the seventh and eighth members of the program to earn All-American recognition. MCC has now placed at least one player on an All-American team in each of the last four years as Javier Lopez was named to the NJCAA Third-Team in 2012 and Juan Carrillo earned second-team honors in 2013 and third-team in 2014.
The two become the 30th and 31st MCC student-athletes to earn NJCAA All-American honors. MCC has had at least one All-American in each of the past seven years.
