Cristian Roldan

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected in first round (No. 16 overall) of 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 15, 2015.

PRONUNCIATION: Roll-‐dahn

Roldan began his college career at the University of Washington as a wide player, but he ultimately settled into a role as a devastatingly effective withdrawn central playmaker. That level of versatility and on-ball skill paved the way for one of the most skilled midfielders in MLS.

• Strong season lands Roldan on MLS 24 Under 24 list
• Kick Around series visits Roldan after huge year

INTERNATIONAL: Thanks to his swiftly rising star, Roldan was first called up to the U.S. U-20 national team after his incendiary 2013 freshman season in 2013. He has made 20 appearances with the USMNT, since his debut in 2017.

COLLEGE: After a serendipitous discovery at a youth tournament, Roldan earned a scholarship to the University of Washington and made the most of his two years there. He was the Huskies’ key cog in the midfield during the team’s 2013 Pac-12 tile run, which helped open the pathway to a Generation adidas contract after just two seasons.

NOTES:  As a youngster, Roldan appeared in an adidas commercial playing with a rolled up wad of plastic bags for a soccer ball.