Rodney Wallace enters 2015 with a championship on his mind

Rodney Wallace enters 2015 with a championship on his mind. Wallace was born in San Jose, Costa Rica before moving to the United States at the age of nine spending his time in the states in Rockville Maryland.

His soccer career got started in the states at The Bullis School before playing his college career at the University of Maryland. During his time with the Terps, Wallace was able to help his team to the 2008 National Championship including a big goal in the quarterfinals. Wallace’s lone goal help carry the Terps over number 2 Creighton. The Terps got hot late including three straight wins in the ACC tournament before five straight wins in the NCAA tournament.

Wallace’s success at college landed him as the number six overall pick in the 2009 MLS Super Draft to DC United. He spent the next two years just down the road from where he grew up notching three career goals in 39 games. His time would be short lived as the United would ship him to the Portland Timbers.

Since joining the Timbers, Wallace has appeared in 89 matches for the Timbers recording 15 goals. Now Wallace looks to return to the Timbers this season to help them win an MLS Championship.

After a very good first season with the Timbers, Wallace earned an opportunity to represent Costa Rica in international play. Since 2011, Wallace has appeared in 17 matches for the Costa Rica National team recording three goals.

This was nothing new to the Wallace family as Rodney’s cousin Harold also played for the Costa Rica National Team from 1995 to 2009. Wallace’s cousin appeared in 101 career international matches recording three goals.

After tearing his ACL in the Timbers loss to Real Salt Lake, Wallace returned last season to register five goals and one assist in just 16 appearances for the Timbers. His strong return helped earn him the 2014 MLS comeback player of the year. The honor was also the first in the history of the Timbers organization.
1) Congrats on getting married. One tip we have, never offer to do a chore because it will become your job…we’re still vacuuming. What’s the funniest marriage tip you received?

Thank you! Haha don’t mind doing chores are pins the house, we help each other out with everything. 

2) Do you play any off-season ball anywhere else when not with the Timbers?

During the offseason I like to work on my own. I Like to stay in shape by keeping a good balance of weights, agilities, and cardio. Ive added swimming into my cardio.

3) Coming from Costa Rica at 9 I’m sure things in the U.S. seem different; do you think the kids here in the U.S. have the same fire as kids from countries aboard?

Kids in Costa Rica live, eat, and breathe soccer. Here in the US it’s different because of all the sports that kids are involved in, but soccer is growing in the states for sure

4) What’s a personal goal you have for the upcoming Timbers season?

I want to be part of a championship team.. We have all the right tools to win trophies. Coming from my injury that kept me out half the season I want to pick up where I left off and continue to score goals and help my team.

5) Do you have any weird superstitions? 

I don’t have any weird superstitions, just like to listen to my music, have a laugh with the guys, and focus on what we gotta do for each game..