Five Questions with ... Amy Rodriguez

• by Bryan Alvarez  @somuser, Jan 14, 2009

[WPS] A-Rod could be headed to Boston. Yankee fans, don't fret. Alex Rodriguez isn't about the join the Red Sox. U.S. Olympic gold-medalist Amy Rodriguez of USC is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer college draft, which will take place Friday at the NSCAA Convention in St. Louis. There is much intrigue surrounding Rodriguez's expected selection as the No. 1 pick. There's speculation of a possible trade with her hometown Los Angeles Sol, coached by her former youth coach Abner Rogers. Rodriguez talks with Soccer America about  Boston and Los Angeles and hopes for WPS ...

SOCCER AMERICA: You been often mentioned as Boston's likely choice with the first pick the WPS draft. How big a change would it be for a California-born and -bred player like you playing in Boston?

AMY RODRIGUEZ: I've been a California girl my whole life. I've never lived outside the state. If I get picked by an out-of-state team, it will be a great experience. I would love to see other places. At the same time, I don't want to get too carried away. I have to get picked first, and then I'll think about these things. I'm open to playing for any team in the league.

SOCCER AMERICA: On the other hand, what would it be like to be reunited with your former youth club coach, Abner Rogers, the Los Angeles Sol coach, and get to play at home if a trade with Boston was worked out?

AMY RODRIGUEZ: I would be happy with that, as well. Abner is a great coach and playing where I grew up would be amazing! My family could come to the games. Also, I'm still enrolled at USC. So, that would be easier. But, again, I'm open to playing for anywhere.

SOCCER AMERICA: What must Women's Professional Soccer do that the WUSA failed to do?

AMY RODRIGUEZ: From what I've heard, there's a different business plan. Also, the expectations are more realistic and there's cost containment. But, I'm no business major. Hopefully, we can develop a fan base and attract a lot of people. This league will have a lot of talented players. Hopefully, we can spark an interest in the sport.

SOCCER AMERICA: What part of your game do you have the most confidence in and what part needs improving?

AMY RODRIGUEZ: I hate questions like these (laughing)! I just go out and play and enjoy the game. I want to win every game. As a forward, I go out there to score. I hope to be a spark plug and a go-to player. As for things to work on, there are a lot of things. Scoring and finishing are top priorities. You can always work on technique.

SOCCER AMERICA: What was a bigger thrill -- winning a national championship with USC at the 2007 College Cup or winning a gold medal with the USA at the 2008 Olympics?

I hate this question, too! They're not comparable. USC had never gotten past the second round in the tournament. Winning it all was a huge accomplishment. In the Olympics, we lost the first game. We also lost some players to injuries. So, we kind of became underdogs. Both are special in different ways.