Amy Rodriguez Headed to Beijing

USC's Amy Rodriguez was named to the U.S. Olympic team today. She's the first Trojan to make the Olympics in women's soccer.

The 21-year-old is one of only three forwards to make this year's squad. She's the second youngest player on the roster (average age is 26) and one of only two with college eligibility remaining.

"She offers speed, and in international games you really need speed," said U.S. Coach Pia Sundhage. "The way she's been playing and actually running at people has been very good."

Trojan John Carden played soccer for Team USA in the 1956 games. Hugo Salcedo, who got his master's degree from USC, played footie in the 1972 games. And when it comes to a discussion about USC and world-class soccer, you can't leave out Andres Cantor.

Rodriguez will be back at USC as a senior this fall to help the Trojans defend their NCAA championship. Her national team bio is after the jump.

AMY RODRIGUEZ - Lake Forest, Calif. (First Olympics)
This pocket Hercules has remarkable strength and acceleration due to her low center of gravity, powerful legs and world class speed. She has shown flashes of brilliance so far for the USA, scoring four goals this year (including the game-winner against Brazil in the Peace Queen Cup in South Korea) and has created scoring chances every time’s gotten into the game. With just 19 caps, her ability to get into scoring positions and set up her teammates should become even more potent with the sharpening of finishing skills that comes with increased experience. She was a key player in helping USC to a Cinderella NCAA title last season, scoring twice in the NCAA semifinal over rival UCLA and being named the MVP of the Final Four. She has played in two youth world championships for the USA, in Thailand in 2004 where she made her international debut and in Russia in 2006. She scored twice in each tournament. She is one of two players on the roster with college eligibility remaining and will be a senior at USC next season.

UPDATE: For the USC news release, click here.

Comments

[steveballmer]

I expected something a little difference on this blog.

[durai]

nice post and informative.. i like to spend ample time with your blog..nice pictures..

[gerrrg]

Right on...er...Fight On! When the Olympics rolls around, I hope we'll see a list of the diversity of athletes represented by current and former USC students, and how the Pac-10 stacks up against the other conferences. :D