BOCA RATON, Fla. –Alonso Coello Camarero of the Florida Atlantic University men’s soccer team has signed with Toronto FC, as announced on Friday. Coello Camarero is just the second FAU men’s soccer student-athlete to sign with an MLS team and the first since 2006.
“This is an amazing opportunity that comes after an amazing four years at FAU,” said Coello Camarero. “Ever since I came to the United States, it was my goal to prove myself that I could play at the professional level. Nevertheless, I don’t see this as my final goal, but the beginning of a new journey and challenge.”
Coello Camarero is a four-time All-Conference USA choice, previously the first Owl to do so since Anders Granstad (2002-06). The Madrid, Spain native has been a three-year captain and leading midfielder on the team. This past season, Coello Camarero had five assists to his name, which was the second most on the team and played the second most minutes (1643) with 19 starts. His assists came on two goals in the Owls’ huge upset over No. 4 Marshall in the C-USA Championship Semifinals, as well as goals against Coastal Carolina, UAB and Houston Baptist during the regular season.
The midfielder has been essential on both sides of the ball. He has delivered great opportunities for his teammates and played nine of 16 games without a substitution during his senior season. Prior to this past season, Coello Camarero was a United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team recipient, All-C-USA Third Team and All-Freshman Team choice in 2018, C-USA First Team selection in 2018 (first Owl to do so) and was an All-C-USA Second Team honoree in the spring of 2021. Not to mention, Coello Camarero is a three-time C-USA Preseason honoree.
“Regarding FAU, I’m very thankful of the time I spent at this school and proud of what we accomplished as a program during those years,” added Coello Camarero. “We raised the standards for the men’s soccer team every year and broke plenty of records. On the individual side, I put a lot of work and effort on becoming a better player every season, and to help the team become stronger and win more games every year. I will always be a member of the FAU family. Go Owls!”
Coello Camarero becomes just the second FAU men’s soccer student-athlete to sign with an MLS team, as Andrew Helm was drafted No. 1 in the MLS Supplemental Draft in 2006. He is also one of two former Owls currently playing professional soccer with Darnell King being the other in his fifth season in the USL, and his third with Phoenix Rising.
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