Servando Carrasco carved out an impressive soccer career during his time at the University of California, Berkeley (Cal Bears), leaving a legacy of athletic and academic excellence. His journey from a high school standout to a Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft pick is a testament to his dedication and skill on the field.
Carrasco consistently earned recognition for his performance throughout his four years with the Cal Bears, showcasing his versatility and impact as a midfielder. In 2007, as a freshman, he immediately contributed to the team, starting in 17 of 19 games and accumulating seven points with two goals and three assists. This early impact hinted at the significant role he would play in the years to come.
His sophomore year in 2008 marked a breakthrough, earning him his first All-Pac-10 second-team selection. Carrasco’s offensive contributions surged as he tied for second on the team with three goals and ranked second with 13 points. He was also a key playmaker, providing seven assists, demonstrating his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. Notably, he scored game-winning goals against Stanford and Maryland, highlighting his clutch performances in crucial matches. His academic achievements were also recognized as he earned Pac-10 All-Academic second-team honors, underscoring his commitment to both athletics and academics.
2009 saw Carrasco solidify his position as a key player for the Bears. He garnered his second consecutive All-Pac-10 second-team selection and Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention. While his goal count decreased to one, his consistent presence and leadership on the field remained invaluable to the team.
His senior season in 2010 was arguably his most impactful. Carrasco was recognized with Pac-10 Conference awards, further details of which would be noteworthy to explore in dedicated sports news coverage. He also earned spots on the Pac-10 All-Academic teams, continuing to excel academically alongside his athletic pursuits. The Bears celebrated a record number of players invited to the MLS Combine and selected in the MLS SuperDraft that year, underscoring the program’s strength and Carrasco’s prominent role within it.
Carrasco’s final career statistics at UC Berkeley speak volumes about his consistent contributions:
<strong>Carrasco's Final Career Statistics</strong>
| Year | G | GS | Shots | Goals | Assists | Points |
|------|----|----|-------|-------|---------|--------|
| 2007 | 19 | 17 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| 2008 | 21 | 20 | 55 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| 2009 | 13 | 13 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 | 20 | 20 | 42 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
| Totals| 73 | 70 | 142 | 13 | 13 | 39 |Before his successful college career, Carrasco honed his skills at St. Augustine High School and with the San Diego Soccer Club. He was named Western League Player of the Year and CIF San Diego Section Player of the Year as a senior, leading his high school team to a CIF title. His decade-long involvement with the San Diego Soccer Club and participation in the Olympic Development Program and Premier Development Program further prepared him for the rigors of college and professional soccer.
In conclusion, Servando Carrasco’s college soccer journey at UC Berkeley was marked by consistent performance, accolades, and academic achievement. His recognition as an MLS SuperDraft pick was a natural progression for a player who consistently demonstrated excellence on and off the field throughout his collegiate career.
