It was in their first “identity” meeting that Portland Thorns coach Mark Parsons fully understood one of Rocky Rodríguez’s redeeming traits.
During these talks, players deliver a self-evaluation of their qualities, allowing Parsons to get to know them better.
In January 2020, Rodríguez was traded from Sky Blue FC to the Thorns. Parsons and the Thorns had wanted to bring her in for a few years after identifying her as one of the top midfielders in the NWSL.
And at this point in her career, Rodríguez had already proven herself on all levels. In college, she scored the game-winning goal to lead Penn State to its first national championship. She scored another goal in the Women’s World Cup for Costa Rica. In 2016, she was NWSL Rookie of the Year.
But in Rodríguez’s first “identity” meeting with Parsons, she only offered a couple of characteristics that she felt were her strengths.
“I was like ‘OK, there are about 30 more things that are strengths,’” Parsons recalled with a smile Friday afternoon.
A year and a half later, that memory still sticks with Parsons as a reminder of Rodríguez’s humility.
In the broad sense, one could argue that Rodríguez is the epitome of Thorns soccer, a style highlighted by togetherness and selflessness. Rodríguez’s personality fits right into that culture, allowing her, along with those around her, an opportunity for continued growth.
“She values the team, she values relationships and connections with everyone,” Parsons said. “She is a very genuine person, a very real person.”
But in search of balance, Parsons has also tried to instill more confidence in Rodríguez, a sort of bravado that can be backed with her skill.
“We hold her to a high standard, but we’re also making sure she knows and believes how much quality she has,” Parsons said. “We just want to see it all of the time. More of it every day.”
The 27-year-old is in her second season with the Thorns and has established herself as an indispensable player in the midfield, offering a versatility to the group. She’s appeared in eight games this season, including three starts. She’s scored two goals, with the most recent coming in last weekend’s win over Racing Louisville.
It wasn’t long after Rodríguez initially came to Portland in early 2020 when the world was shut down due to COVID-19.
She was in an unfamiliar city. She couldn’t go out and practice with her new teammates. She mostly stayed in her apartment.
During quarantine, Rodríguez learned how to play the piano. At first, she tried to teach herself to play the guitar, but it didn’t work. But with the piano, she had her friends, who also play the instrument, give her advice. Then she moved to an online course.
“I started playing the piano in the first place because I wanted to express myself through music,” Rodríguez said. “... When I play the songs, I think I’m emotional in that way with music.”
Throughout that summer, Rodríguez also consistently posted videos on her YouTube channel, where she shares life advice and motivation. She featured in a Thorns clip where she explained how to continue training indoors by using a wall as a backstop to kick against.
“It was tough to get through those days,” Rodríguez said. “But at the end of the day … I think keeping perspective was what kept me going.”
When the season finally started, she became a regular in the Thorns’ lineup, appearing in 10 games, while tallying one goal and one assist. In late September, she scored her first goal. After a cross was sent into the box, Rodríguez rocketed the ball out of the air and into the back of the net.
Rodríguez has continued to elevate her game this season. On a free kick in the season opener, Rodríguez surged through the defense, popping out of the pack and heading the ball past the keeper for the Thorns’ first goal of the season.
Then, last Saturday, in the first half against Racing Louisville, Rodríguez settled a cross with her left foot and dug her feet into the ground as she eyed the goal. While turning toward the net, she was clipped at her ankles and taken down, drawing a foul inside the box.
She calmly curved a penalty kick into the left corner of the goal, sparking what was eventually a 2-0 Thorns win.
“I think she’s critical in buildup at times and helps you break pressure because of her awareness and receiving skills, and positioning is good,” Parsons said. “She’s great at assisting, passing and you’ve seen her score special goals. She’s a true box-to-box player.”
Parsons has noticed Rodríguez continue to improve her awareness and scanning ability, parts of becoming “a more complete player,” he said. At times this season she’s been tasked with a new role as defending midfielder, a slight change to her natural position as a central midfielder.
“It took a little bit of an adjustment for me, mostly mentally,” Rodríguez said. “It’s just a little different. You’ve got to be a little more disciplined. ... It took some time, but I hope I did the job.”
The next challenge for the Thorns comes Sunday against NJ/NY Gotham FC in Providence Park’s first full-capacity crowd. Rodríguez figures to be an important part of the Thorns’ chances at a NWSL championship, especially with part of the team currently competing in the Olympics.
“You’re going to see, by the end of this year, a player that’s capable of playing in any midfield in the world,” Parsons said.
After finally settling in Portland, Rodríguez and the Thorns seem to be a perfect fit.
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July 10, 2021 at 11:55PM
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