Former Torero Miguel Berry signs with Columbus Crew SC
Credit: USD Athletics
The Major League Soccer (MLS) Superdraft took place on Jan. 9, 2020, and the former USD standout, Miguel Berry, was selected seventh overall by Columbus Crew SC. Just over a month later, Berry officially signed his contract on Feb. 27, 2020.
Crew SC President and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko had these words to say about the newest draft pick.
“We want to congratulate Miguel on officially joining Crew SC,” said Bezbatchenko. “Miguel’s hard work in preseason camp did not go unnoticed and we are excited to have him join our Club. We look forward to working with Miguel as he continues his development as a player,” Bezbatchenko said.
Berry was born in Barcelona, Spain, and grew up just outside of Barcelona in a town called Sant Cugat Del Valles. He then moved to San Diego, where he attended Poway High School. The young star scored 58 goals throughout his four years, including 23 in his senior season. He committed to the University of San Diego because of the academics and the elite soccer program.
Miguel Berry made 72 appearances for the USD, registering 38 goals and 16 assists in four collegiate seasons. He scored 17 goals in 18 starts during his senior campaign, which earned him the West Coast Conference co-player of the year honor.
That honor wasn’t all he would achieve, though. Just last season, Berry was a 2019 All-American, MAC Hermann National Player of the Year semifinalist, CoSIDA Academic All-American, and Scholar All-American (First Team) by United Soccer Coaches.
Berry is also a three-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region (2019 First Team; 2017-2018 Second Team)
There are a plethora of honors that Berry can celebrate with, but the Spanish footballer knows that he has been waiting his whole life to go pro.
“There are videos of my brother and I kicking a ball back and forth before I even turned two,” Berry said. “And since then I always wanted to play professionally.”
When the draft day finally came, and he heard his name called in the first round, Berry knew that it was time to work.
“My immediate goal is to get better,” Berry said. “Every day in training I get to learn from incredible players, and I really want to be the best I can be. I’m a long way from doing that, but every day I’m focused on making a conscious effort to get there.”
In the last season for the Crew, the team finished 10th in the Eastern Conference of the MLS. The team only scored a total of 39 goals on the season. Berry’s speed and goal-scoring ability should be a key asset for Columbus.
The 22-year-old left a mark for the USD soccer program, and his legacy will always be remembered. Now it’s time for him to create his new legacy with the Columbus Crew SC.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris is also an athlete and is huge fan of San Diego sports. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and contributes regularly about the Padres.