Rodrigo Faria

Rodrigo Faria (born February 24, 1977 in Rio de Janeiro) is a Brazilian soccer striker, whereabouts currently unknown.

Related Topics:
February 24 - 1977 - Rio de Janeiro - Brazilian - Soccer - Striker

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Faria, a once youth player in the Flamengo and Vasco da Gama system, came to the United States to attend Concordia College, with soccer an afterthought. He was discovered by the MetroStars and then drafted 13th overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft (it has been said that Metro head coach Octavio Zambrano had Faria tank the player combine to fall in the draft).

Related Topics:
Flamengo - Vasco da Gama - Concordia College - 2001 MLS SuperDraft - Octavio Zambrano

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In his first season with the Metros, Faria tied the MLS rookie record (since broken) by scoring eight goals (and two assists, plus added three goals and an assist in the playoffs) on the way to being named the MLS Rookie of the Year. In an expanded role in 2002, he upped his total to twelve goals (plus two in the US Open Cup) and five assists to lead the club in scoring. However, his Metro career was cut short when the team obtained head coach Bob Bradley from the Chicago Fire; Faria had to depart to Chicago as compensation.

Related Topics:
MLS Rookie of the Year - 2002 - US Open Cup - Bob Bradley - Chicago Fire

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Rodrigo split the 2003 MLS season between the Fire and the San Jose Earthquakes, without scoring a regular season goal. He did score the overtime game-winner for the Quakes in the dramatic comeback against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup semifinals. San Jose went on to win the cup, but that was it in MLS for Faria, as he was cut after the season; his frequent unannounced absences were deemed not worthy his contribution on the field.

Related Topics:
2003 - San Jose Earthquakes - Los Angeles Galaxy - MLS Cup

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