Cristian Roldan

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

PRONUNCIATION: Roll-‐dahn

Roldan seemed destined for professional soccer early on. As a youngster, Roldan appeared in an adidas commercial playing with a rolled up wad of plastic bags for a soccer ball. Years later, he realized his goal as a professional soccer player. 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at the University of Washington as a wide player, but he ultimately settled into a role as a devastatingly effective withdrawn central playmaker.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 young 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. U20 national team after his incendiary 2013 freshman season in 2013. To date, his youth national team appearances have been limited to two.

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.