Sacred Heart University Standout Drafted by MLS

For the first time in school history for Sacred Heart University, a player was selected into the MLS draft. That player is Marcello Castro, a senior from Parana, Brazil; he was the 63rd pick in the MLS supplemental draft this past January. Despite his current success, making it into the MLS draft did not come easy for the Brazilian international. After not being invited to the MLS combine, opportunities seemed very slim.

“I thought that I wouldn’t get drafted, but the optimism that my agent and coaching staff brought towards me got me past it mentally,” Castro said. “They told me I still stood a chance despite not being selected and that things would work out. After I came back to school, I realized a few days later that I was selected in the supplemental draft. It was a great feeling with a mix of emotions that drew once I realized I was on my way to the MLS.”

With a great collegiate career behind him and a long list of credentials adding to his stellar career at Sacred Heart, the numbers spoke for themselves when the Colorado Rapids selected him. While playing for the Pioneers, Castro scored 23 goals as a center back, leading his team in goals all four years. He also picked up North East Conference defensive player of the year and first team all conference three years in a row.

Two honors that vaulted Castro to the national level were his selection into the Herman watch list and being a NSCAA All American. Playing at the Division one level is something that Castro recognizes prepared him well for the MLS. “The professional environment of Sacred Heart’s program helped me develop into a true center back,” Castro explained.

“My skills bettered all four years thanks to great coaching and a team that brought a high work rate day in day out,” Castro added about adapting to the MLS. While adapting to the level of competition has gone smoothly for Castro, climate change is something that he feels has always affected him since coming to America. “When I came to Fairfield it took a while for me to adapt to the cold weather,” he said, “but it’s something that I have adapted too as I have spent more time in America. One thing about Colorado that has become difficult to adapt to is the altitude, as mile high was tough to get use to when I arrived.” Castro realizes that playing consistently is important in contending for a starting spot, as he hopes to have a good preseason to show the coaches at Colorado what he can do in the games. 

Being the newcomer to any team is never easy, as Castro hopes to contribute his passion and love for the game to every day he spends with the Rapids. “ I hope to help out the team in what ever they need me to do, as they have played me at center back my natural position,” he sad. “So I hope to prove myself and look to play hard every time I’m on the field.” Castro started training with the team shortly after being drafted and has participated in some preseason friendlies, as he hopes to sign a long term deal with in the next few weeks.

Marcello Castro leaves behind a tremendous career for Sacred Heart, but he carries the lessons and experience he gained as a pioneer with him everyday.   

Photo credit: Zach Dischner / Foter.com / CC BY

Luis Javier Mandujano is a 2012 graduate of the College of Mount Saint Vincent and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Communication at Sacred Heart University specializing in Broadcast Journalism and Corporate Communication. He brings a strong knowledge of local, high school, college, and professional sports as well as global issues and concerns. During his spare time Luis enjoys hanging out with friends, playing soccer, eating out at Latin American and Italian restaurants, and following major sporting events.