COMMERCE CITY, Colo. ā The game of soccer has enabled Colorado Rapids midfielder Dillon Serna to see the world and do things heād never imagined. But the journey has always found its way back to Colorado.
Itās where Serna will find himself yet again, playing with the US U-23 national team as it embarks on its CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying campaign. Serna will be playing in front of his hometown crowd when Dickās Sporting Goods Park hosts all eight teams on the third group-stage matchday on October 6 and 7.
āIām looking forward to it,ā Serna told MLSsoccer.com. āI think itās going to be one of the more fun games Iāve played here in my home stadium. My family hasnāt really seen me play with the national team because Iām not usually [in Colorado].ā
It will be the second time Serna has played in Colorado this year not wearing the burgundy and white of the Rapids. Serna previously played in an exhibition match at DSGP, representing the MLS Homegrowns against Club AmƩrica's U-20 team in the 2015 MLS Homegrown Game.
But with an Olympic berth on the line, the upcoming games with the U-23s will have a different vibe.
āThis is huge,ā Serna expressed. āThe Olympic team didnāt qualify last Olympics, so thereās definitely that added pressure on us to qualify. Itās a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we have to qualify.ā
Sernaās family and local fans will also have to adjust to finding him in a different area on the pitch. With the U-23s, Serna has been playing a more defensive role at left back under US head coach Andi Herzog.
āHe knows Iām not naturally a defender, but heās shown his trust in me this whole year,ā Serna explained. āIt is a little bit different. Andi likes to see me getting forward, so thatās something I bring to the team playing left back.ā
Serna described the change in positioning as āa learning process,ā but his willingness to expand his breadth of knowledge has also been noted by Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni.
āIt will definitely broaden his perspective. When he plays with us, it will help him press the game and understand what pockets to find,ā Mastroeni said. āLeft back isnāt our position of need, but that type of experience is extremely valuable. His ability to work on both sides of the ball is extremely critical at this part of the season.ā
Serna remains one of the youngest players on a Colorado side which features a glut of veteran additions for 2015. But the 21-year-old feels more vet than novice in the Rapids locker room.
āIāve been training with the first team since I was in high school and this is now my third year under contract,ā he explained. āI do feel like Iāve been here a while and have some experience. At the same time, Iām still learning and willing to learn every day.ā
- Learn more about Dillon Serna at ColoradoRapids.com
Sernaās work rate has appeared to gain Mastroeni's confidence, as his club coach has rewarded the Homegrown with more consistent minutes in the latter half of Coloradoās 2015 campaign.
āHeās one piece to the greater whole,ā Mastroeni said. āI think he understands what we want to do from a tactical perspective and has been working extremely hard when he hasnāt been selected.ā
Heās also been praised as āgoal dangerous and hungry,ā which has also aided the homegrownās cause in cracking Mastroeniās lineup.
āI think Iām the kind of player that likes to be in front of goal,ā Serna said. āIāve played a good amount this year and Iāve scored a few goals, so thatās the biggest thing for the coaches.ā
And despite being a regular on Herzogās squad, Serna isnāt taking his opportunity with the U-23s for granted either.
āItās always special to go with the national team,ā he said. āItās definitely an honor and Iām looking forward to getting into games.ā