CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College men's soccer standouts Russell Berko and Sergio Garrido capped exceptional 2025 seasons on Thursday as the duo was named to the D2CCA All-America Second Team, adding national recognition to two of the most impactful performances in recent program history.
Berko and Garrido earned the honors after guiding the Choctaws to a 15-win campaign and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, where MC's season came to a close against Rollins. Their selections mark another highlight in a postseason filled with individual awards for the Choctaws, who produced a region-leading seven All-South Region honorees.
Berko, a freshman from Aylesbury, England, emerged as one of Division II's breakout stars. The forward earned Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year, All-GSC, and D2CCA First Team All-South Region honors before adding All-America recognition to his résumé. His pace, creativity, and finishing touch made him a central figure in MC's attack, providing consistent scoring threats and delivering in critical moments throughout the season.
Garrido, a senior midfielder from Pamplona, Spain, closed his Mississippi College career with the highest national accolade of his tenure. A two-time All-GSC selection and repeat D2CCA All-Region pick, Garrido served as the engine of the Choctaw midfield—dictating tempo, winning challenges, and connecting play between lines. His leadership and command in possession were pivotal as MC advanced deep into the national tournament for the second straight season.
Both players were also instrumental in Mississippi College sweeping the Gulf South Conference's yearly awards earlier this month.
While MC's postseason run ended in the Elite Eight, Berko and Garrido's national honors punctuate a season defined by high-level consistency and elite individual performances. Berko returns in 2026 as one of the top young attackers in the country, while Garrido concludes a decorated career that helped elevate the Choctaw program on the regional and national stage.
