The beginning of the season proved to be a little tough for Winthrop men’s soccer. After dropping early season matches, these players have notably stepped up their game with three wins and two draws in their last five games.
Along with team success, excellence has also emerged from individuals. Marc Carreras, a senior forward, has proved to be an important piece of the men’s soccer puzzle.
Carreras, who was born in Barcelona, Spain, has been playing soccer since he was five years old and he holds “football” close to his heart.
“I have always been involved with this sport at all levels,” Carreras said. “I grew up with a ball between my feet, this sport is a huge part of my life.”
As a result of his early start, it was obvious that Carreras would go on to play collegiate soccer. His college career began in 2016 at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. According to Winthrop Athletics, Carreras played as a Marauder in seven games, finishing with two goals. He transferred to Winthrop following his freshman year at the University of Mary..
“After having a good freshman year in North Dakota, I came and did a tryout in North Carolina,” Carreras said. “I started talking with the [Winthrop] coaching staff and we reached an agreement.”
Though there are differences in the style of play between Spain and the United States, Carreras is thankful for the way it has helped him develop as a player.
“In the United States we find more physical football, players are bigger and stronger,” Carreras said. “Spanish football is a more tactical and technical based style of playing.”
His stats are proof of his tenacious skill set, and they stand to legitimize a rewarding transfer. Carreras has five goals on the season. In the last four games, Carreras has enlivened the stats sheet.
He scored two goals for the Eagles in the 2-1 win against Radford.
Carreras first goal came off a penalty kick during the 89th minute of the match, and tied the game — a proud moment for him.
“It felt great, I had so much pressure on me but I was confident that I would score,” Carreras said. “It was the most important game of the season at the time, so you can imagine how happy I was to force the overtime.”
Carreras would then score the game-winning goal against the Highlanders in the 96th minute.
“Scoring the golden goal in overtime is actually an indescribable feeling,” Carreras said. “It is a moment where you do not think about anything, you just focus on screaming and celebrating with all your teammates come to celebrate with you.”
While the goal is credited to Carreras, he steadily recognizes that the victory is awarded to the team.
“A win against [Radford] was really important for our aspirations in the league, so I felt really proud of the team,” Carreras said.
In the following game against Georgia Southern, Carreras scored the lone goal in a game that would end in a draw. Following that game, he noted how the recent success of the team is a morale booster.
“The tie was really positive for the team,” Carreras said. “It was a great performance against a great team.
With this feat, Carreras became the first Eagle since 2017 to score in three straight games, according to Winthrop Athletics. He notes his consistent practice regimen as the sole reason for his efficiency.
Although this is a personal accomplishment, he again emphasizes team effort.
“Of course I am proud of this, but it is thanks to all the teamwork that we have done,” Carreras said. “This is a team sport and nothing can be achieved individually.”
The team is currently tied for fourth with Presbyterian in Big South standings, and the team is looking forward to continuing their successful march into the postseason.
“We have to keep playing the same way we have been doing for the past games,” Carreras said. “Knowing our strengths and weaknesses, keep putting our chances away, and trying to concede less goals possible.”
His mindset on teamwork, individual skill development, and passion are amongst things that have never changed, however, one thing has — his jersey number.
“I have always played with number seven,” Carreras said. “Seven is my special, lucky number. Since it was taken, I chose 10 as it is the second number I like best.”
Whether he is number seven or number 10, Marc Carreras plays for more than himself.
“Desire is key in this sport, I am an ambitious player and I always want more,” Carreras said.
Photo courtesy of Winthrop Athletics
