A very successful group of Marshalltown CC soccer student-athletes have made their commitments to play at the next level. To date, twelve of the fourteen sophomores have inked for next season. The sophomore class won 31 games over their two seasons, which included a National Tournament appearance.
"We are extremely happy for our sophomores having found quality institutions to continue their education and soccer careers," Head Coach Rafael Martinez said of the student-athletes. "I have had the pleasure of working with amazing student-athletes from the moment I started coaching at MCC, but this year's sophomore class ranks within the best because of their commitment to each other and this program. An immense amount of college coaches have shown interest in recruiting our players which ultimately translated into scholarship offers that, in two years, will reach almost half a million of dollars. This would not have been possible without their effort or the work of MCC's staff and faculty; I could not be prouder of being a member of this institution for what it does for our students."
Committing to NCAA Division I institutions are Rafael Ramos, Rafael Vacas and Pedro Silva. Ramos, an NSCAA All-American, will play at Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) next year. While fellow NJCAA All-American, Vacas, will play at California Baptist University (Riverside, CA). Silva, a versatile all around player, will play at University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, TX).
A number of the sophomore class is heading to NCAA Division II institutions. Joel Serrano, All-American goalkeeper will join former Tiger Jose Izarra at Mercy College (New York, NY). Midfielder Nicolas Mattaldi will attend Southwest Baptist (Bolivar, MO). All-Region co-captain Leonardo Tomasi will play at Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA). Midfielder Taiki Tinugawa will play at University of Wilmington (Wilmington, DE). Evandro Henrique will play at University of Mary (Bismarck, ND) where former MCC Athletic Director Dan Huntley is a part of the UMary staff. Midfielder Andre Luis will play at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (Odessa, TX). Finally Manoel dos Passos who was an All-Region selection will follow the MCC pipeline to Queens University (Charlotte, NC).
Backup goalkeeper Tom Wackens will attend Lyon College, an NAIA school in Batesville, AR. Juan Camacho, plans to attend the University of Leeds located in the United Kingdom and participate on their club team.