Jan. 15, 2008

University of Houston midfielder Islara Rodgiruez (Houston, Texas/Awty International School) recently spent time training with the Puerto Rican National Team.

Rodriguez, who closed out her freshman season in 2007, spent two weeks in Bayamon, Puerto Rico training and playing games as part of the second round of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

The team lost a two-game aggregate series to Trinidad & Tobago on away goal differential. Puerto Rico dropped the first match 2-1 but won the second match 1-0 at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel.

Puerto Rico handed the Soca Princesses their first-ever loss against a Caribbean team in CONCACAF Women's Qualification to the Olympic Games and FIFA Women's World Cup. Rodriguez played the full 90 minutes in both matches.

"It was such a wonderful experience," Rodriguez said. "When you walk out on the field with your teammates, hear your national anthem play and see the fans screaming like crazy it really gets you energized. When I put on that jersey I had so much pride and I just gave it my all on the field. My teammates were awesome. Everyone was so passionate and it just made the games and the experience so great."

The chance to play for the national side came about after a team representative saw her play in Houston during the collegiate season. Rodriguez is hopeful that her play in the series will earn her further chances with the team.

Head coach Susan Bush, who played for the U.S. National Team, understands the benefits a talented player can reap from international experience.

"There is nothing like competing on the international stage while wearing your country's jersey," Bush said. "The speed and competitive spirit in any international match is unrivaled at the college level and for a player to participate in this sort of environment is tremendous.

"Islara is a passionate soccer player who is determined to reach the next level in her athletic development. Her involvement with the Puerto Rican National Team proves that she is eager to advance her own development and career in soccer. These experiences will do nothing but enhance our program here in Houston."

Rodriguez, who tied for the team lead last season with three goals in 18 starts, hopes to bring some of the lessons learned on the international scene back home to Houston.

"The more passionate you are on and off the field the more it will reflect on you and your teammates," Rodriguez said. "Energy at that level is contagious and hopefully I can bring that energy and passion I had with my national team to UH."