Known as “Treco” by teammates and coaches, Fernando Cabadas has managed to come from being a walk-on athlete to becoming one of Sacramento State’s most promising soccer players in less than two years.

Cabadas was born into a family where soccer was tradition – even his dad played soccer when he was a kid.

“I was just a youngster when I started playing soccer,” Cabadas said. “My dad grew up playing and my love started by kicking the ball with him.”

Cabadas started by participating in Sunday soccer leagues. He made his first step towards more challenging play when he joined River City United with Hornet teammate Zach Tuss.

“It was a transition,” Cabadas said. “Club soccer was more physical and I was too skinny, so I started working out.”

When Cabadas started high school, he played three years for the Hiram Johnson Warriors.

Hornet head coach Michael Linenberger remembered the call from Cabadas at the end of his senior year at Hiram Johnson to inquire about tryouts for the team. Cabadas made the team as a walk-on his freshman year.

“I remember thinking this guy can play,” Linenberger said. “He is the type of player that I would pay money to see play.”

Cabadas impressed the coaching staff from the get-go during his freshman year. He played in 17 matches, tallying two goals and four assists.

The first goal Cabadas made as a Hornet was a last-second, bicycle kick against UC Riverside to tie the game. After a stellar first year, the school offered Cabadas a scholarship.

“His vision is extremely good,” Linenberger said. “He is a very creative player (who) is fun to watch.”

The transition to the college game has also been difficult for Cabadas. Linenberger said it was hard adjusting to structured college soccer. From training six days a week to learning team strategy and roles, Cabadas had to learn on the fly.

Linenberger said Cabadas brings many strengths and skill to the team. Those skills include a great first touch, vision, and superb passing skill with both feet.

“Fernando is the quarterback of our team,” Linenberger said. “He is a great passer, and I believe one the best passers in the college game.”

Cabadas had a few weaknesses when he first stepped on the Hornet field. Linenberger said Cabadas had to work on team defending, which he has made great strides on.

Linenberger believes that offensive players need to be more “goal dangerous,” which means they need to be more aggressive on offense. Cabadas says that he needs to improve on being an offensive threat.

Cabadas plans on graduating with a major in engineering, and hopes to make it to an NCAA Tournament before then.

“I really like math and science,” Cabadas said. “And I’m interested in how buildings are constructed.”

Teammates know Cabadas as “Treco,” which was dubbed by teammate Omar Martinez, because of how he looks like the former soccer pro.

The sky is the limit for Cabadas’ potential, and his coach believes he has the tools to make it to the next level.

“If he continues to develop as he is now, I could see a real possibility of him playing in major league soccer or in Mexico,” Linenberger said. “Potentially, he has the chance to be the best soccer player for Sac State, ever.”

Cabadas said if the opportunity presented itself, he would love to pursue a professional soccer career. He acknowledges that there are more important goals in his future than just soccer.

“First thing is to move out of my parents’ house,” Cabadas joked. “Definitely start a family.”

Cabadas also plans to jump into his engineering career.

“I want to get involved and make a name for myself in that field,” Cabadas said. “Maybe someday I’ll be on the Discovery Channel.”

Cabadas still has two more seasons after this one to make an impact on the Sac State men’s soccer program.

“I would like to be known as one of the greatest soccer players to play for Sac State,” Cabadas said. “And I really want to help lead the team to the NCAA Tournament.”

Cabadas has earned the respect of his coaching staff and his teammates. Starting out as a walk-on and earning a spot on the team, to earning a scholarship and starting – the coaching staff is happy to have him here.

“He’s a diamond in the rough,” assistant coach Matt McDougal said.

Linenberger also agrees.

“He is just a super, super kid,” Linenberger said. “He is just the whole package.”

Ronnie Nurss can be reached at [email protected]