Miguel Berry goes pro

Former USD men’s soccer star was drafted 7th overall in the MLS Superdraft

Maria Watters / Assistant Sports Editor / The USD Vista

Of the thousands of Division I college athletes, very few ever get the opportunity to play their sport professionally. Before the start of 2020, seven University of San Diego former players were able to extend their careers past the collegiate level. But on Jan. 9, one more name was added to that list — Miguel Berry. 

Those who got the chance to watch him play remember his striking speed with the ball and remarkable footwork that allowed him to blow past defenders and score 17 goals in his senior season alone. Berry ended his career as a Torero tied as the nation’s top goal scorer in a single season. In addition to being named the WCC Co-Player of the Year, Berry also made the United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team, the All-WCC First Team, and a CoSIDA Academic All-American.  

 Despite all he accomplished while playing at USD, Berry had his sights set on playing professionally since he first started playing with his brother. 

“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 just wanted to play professionally.” 

 Berry’s dream of playing professional soccer became a reality when he was drafted seventh overall by the Columbus Crew SC in the Major League Soccer Superdraft. 

 Berry didn’t quite know what to expect on draft day. 

“When I woke up at seven, I already had a few missed calls from my agent and Coach Quinn,” Berry said. “Henry Lander and I watched together, which isn’t surprising to people who know us because we’ve essentially done everything together the last three and a half years.”

Berry’s career with Crew SC began with training camps in Chula Vista, California, and Cancun, Mexico. After returning from Mexico on Feb. 6, Berry and the Black and Gold headed to Tucson, Arizona to participate in the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup until Feb. 22. 

Adjusting to a new international preseason schedule would be hard for any athlete, but Berry has met this new challenge head on and has thrived despite the pressure. 

“Trainings are meticulously planned and very intense,” Berry said. “You feel pressure to perform every day, but that is ultimately really exciting because it makes you a better player. It’s been an incredible experience thus far.”

Last season, Columbus finished tenth in the Eastern Conference of the MLS. Reporting a total of 39 goals and allowing 47, Berry’s goal-scoring abilities will be a key asset for the team entering their 2020 season. 

While making it to the professional level has been a lifelong goal for Berry, he has yet to be satisfied and continues to work toward his future goals. 

“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 player 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.”

Berry has yet to officially sign his MLS contract. There is little doubt that Berry will continue to improve with Crew SC, but whatever the future holds, Miguel Berry’s legacy will leave a lasting mark on USD sports. His name may even be remembered as one of the greatest in Torero soccer history.