Former Marshalltown Community College Men's Soccer player Kevin Guerrero has been accepted to a two-week development tour that will take him across Finland and Sweden playing against some of the top competition throughout the region.
Guerrero was a freshman member of the Tiger team that made a run to the NJCAA National Tournament in 2012. In a two-year career at MCC, the San Antonio, TX native appeared in 40 career games and scored four goals. Following his stint at MCC, Guerrero moved on to Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where he appeared in 29 games, making 19 starts in his career.
The spot on the development roster began at a professional soccer combine in Houston, TX but are held throughout the United States. Guerrero played well enough to earn a spot on the roster and a trip overseas.
"I took the opportunity to play on this tour with the hope of becoming a better player," Guerrero stated. "If I play well enough, a contract with a professional team may happen. I'm just taking it a day at a time and enjoying the opportunities."
Guerrero was a part of the Tiger program that won 28 games during his two-year career. In 2012, the Tigers upset No. 3 Iowa Western to win the Region XI Championship and went 1-1 in the NJCAA Tournament.
"My time at MCC was amazing," said Guerrero. "It was the first time I was out of my comfort zone. It was tough at first but playing soccer really helped. Coach Rafa (Martinez) helped me along the way as well as my teammates. Coach Rafa had a huge influence on me while I was there and understood people that may have been out of their comfort zone, but he really helped me mentally. One of the reasons I play the way I play today is because the way he helped me improve my game."
"The staff at MCC were very kind and helped me with anything I needed," Guerrero continued. "I would like to thank the staff and coach Rafa for helping me with my journey to become a professional soccer player. If it doesn't happen, I won't be sad or disappointed, because I've met some great people and had amazing experiences along the way, including Marshalltown Community College."
MCC head coach Rafael Martinez expressed his excitement to see another Tiger progress in their soccer career. "Obviously the MCC family is very proud of Kevin and his accomplishments," Martinez stated. "From his success athletically and academically throughout college and now on to a bigger stage. We are happy that he continues to thrive on the soccer field. Kevin always had a very positive attitude and a willingness to work to get to the next level and he is certainly accomplishing that."
