Of the 14 sophomores on the national-tournament qualifying Marshalltown Community College soccer team, 12 have signed on with programs to continue their careers in the sport.

Tiger head soccer coach Rafael Martinez said this group of sophomores, who won 31 games in their time at MCC, have been nothing short of spectacular.

“We are extremely happy for our sophomores having found quality institutions to continue their education and soccer careers,” Martinez said. “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 with 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 dollar. 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.”

Three players have been given scholarships to NCAA Division I programs. Defender Rafael Ramos, an NJCAA All-American, will play at Drexel University. Fellow NJCAA All-American Rafael Vacas has signed with California Baptist University, and Pedro Silva will play for the University of the Incarnate Word.

Quite a few of the sophomores have signed on with NCAA Division II programs as well. Joel Serrano, the All-American goalkeeper from last season, has signed on with Mercy College in New York. Midfielder Nicolas Mattaldi will join on with Southwest Baptist, defender Leonardo Tomasi will attend Azusa Pacific University, midfielder Taiki Tinugawa is attending the University of Wilmington, Evandro Henrique will play at the University of Mary, midfielder Andre Luis has signed on with the University of Texas Permian Basin, and Manoel dos Passos will join the Queens University squad.

Goalkeeper Tom Wackens will also attend NAIA school Lyon College, and Juan Camacho plans to attend the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom and participate on their club team.