Sophomore Daniel Barrera (Naples, FL/Lely) of the Marshalltown Community College Men's Soccer team has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Ohio Valley University next season. Barrera was a two-year member of the MCC men's soccer team.
Barrera will join the Fighting Scots, a NCAA Division II institution and member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, for the 2016 fall season. The Fighting Scots made vast improvements in 2015, posting a 9-8-1 record just one year after going 0-17-0.
As a member of the MCC Men's Soccer team, Barrera helped guide the Tigers to one of the best two-year runs in program history. The Tigers recorded a record of 31-8-2 during the past two seasons, including a program-best 18-1-2 mark during Barrera's sophomore year where he was named team captain.
"These past two years at MCC have been the best years I've had in my life," Barrera stated. "Marshalltown not only taught me to become a better soccer player, but to become more responsible both on and off the field. I'd like to thank my three coaches- coach Martinez, coach Jenness, and coach Fuchsen, for allowing me the opportunity to play on this phenomenal team. Without a doubt it is the best team I've ever played for and I'm leaving MCC with no regrets. I wish I had the chance to play one more season at MCC, but I'm excited for the next opportunity."
Barrera played in 37 career games for the Tigers while starting 34 contests as a primary defender. Barrera earned Second-Team All-Region XI honors as a sophomore, scoring two goals while anchoring the backline defense that allowed just nine goals in 2016 and posted a program-record 13 shutouts.
Ohio Valley head coach Luis Rincon noted Barrera's all-around approach to the game as a primary factor in the recruitment process. "Daniel brings experience, leadership, and, character to our team. He played for one of the best NJCAA programs in the country. Barrera is very strong and technical which will allow him to adapt right away to our style of play."
As for Barrera's decision to make the trek to Vienna, WV and compete for the Fighting Scots, a number of factors came in to play. Barrera, who will enroll in the Pre-Med/Biology program at Ohio Valley, noted the institution's strong reputation. "The academic program is one of the top small private programs in the country and played a major role in where I wanted to continue my studies. The soccer program had a tremendous season last year. Coach Rincon really turned the program around and they are up and coming. Ohio Valley is just a great opportunity that will allow me to focus on academics and soccer."
"Despite moving on to a new school, Marshalltown will always be my second home," Barrera added. "Moving to Iowa from Florida was a big decision for me, but everyone at MCC brought me in. The environment at MCC is very family orientated and it's just a great atmosphere to be around. I'd especially like to thank Connie Gardalen (MCC Student Success Specialist). I can't thank her enough for being there for me these past two years."
