Rising Star Profile: D.C. United's Rodney Wallace

• by Bryan Alvarez  @somuser, Jul 2, 2009

[MLS] A year after helping Maryland win the 2008 College Cup, Rodney Wallace finds himself contributing significant minutes (1,336 in 16 games) to a resurgent D.C. United. This Costa Rica native, who moved to the USA at age 9, has chipped in two goals and three assists. Get to know the 21-year-old in this profile by Soccer America's Bryan Alvarez that covers on- and off-field experiences.

Rodney Wallace (D.C. United)

POSITION: Midfielder
AGE: 21
BIRTH: June 17, 1988 in San Jose, Costa Rica.
HOMETOWN: Rockville, Md.

YOUTH CLUB: Casa Mia Bays
COLLEGE: Maryland
INTERNATIONAL: None.

STARTING OUT IN SOCCER: I grew up in Costa Rica. It's the way of life over there. You fall into it.
EARLY SOCCER MEMORY: When I was 8 years, I had a game but it was raining. My father and I thought the game was canceled but it wasn't. I went to the game and came on at halftime. I scored 4 goals. FIRST CLEATS: I don't remember, but my aunt gave them to me. CURRENT CLEATS: AdiPures.


OTHER SPORTS: Soccer was always my main focus. I take it very seriously.
FAVORITE TEAMS: Washington Redskins and A.C. Milan.
FAVORITE PLAYER: Kaka.
FAVORITE MOVIES: "Gangs of New York" and "Love & Basketball."
FAVORITE ACTOR: Martin Lawrence.
FAVORITE ACTRESS: None.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: "Locked Up Abroad."


LIVING SITUATION: I live with [fellow rookie] Chris Pontius. We live near downtown D.C.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: I think my roommate has it right now. He's playing well.
MLS EXPERIENCE: It's been exciting. It's been like a really good rollercoaster. Everyone has been great and the team is performing well on the field.
COLLEGE: It was fun, great and short. It was definitely worth it. I loved being around my best friends, my teammates.

MOST INFLUENTIAL COACH: My father, Sydney Wallace, knows a lot about the game.
MEMORABLE COACHING ADVICE (from youth coach): Enjoy the game. Enjoy playing.

HOBBIES: Watching movies and finding good restaurants. I like to eat so I love finding good food.
MUSIC: Everything. I'm not picky.
READING: I like magazines. I'm not much of a reader.
VACATION: Costa Rica. I have a good time every time I go.
FAMOUS PERSON YOU'D INVITE TO DINNER: Jay-Z.