21 Hrs
Source:
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Ready to play
Ready to play
Cristian Roldan is likely the last U.S. men's World Cup player to have played four years of soccer at a public high school, highlighting the decline of high school soccer as a development pathway due to the rise of MLS academies and elite club programs. His journey from El Rancho High School to MLS stardom and the national team underscores how the changing infrastructure impacts talent identification and opportunities, especially for working-class families. Roldan's story is notable for his local roots and the challenges faced by players who choose high school soccer over more exclusive, costly academy routes.
Notice: This Is an AI-Generated Summary
Comments (0)