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Mastroeni a Rapid soccer success

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Contributed by: Kristin Morin/YourHub.com on 8/13/2008

Pablo Mastroeni's goals have taken him from the streets of Argentina to one of the premier soccer stadiums in the United States.

"I was kicking the ball around at two years old," Mastroeni, 31, said. These days he does more than just kick around, he plays the game at the highest level in the country as a midfielder and team captain for the Colorado Rapids.

"I couldn't ask to be in a better place, playing soccer in the States," Mastroeni said. "The fans are pretty soccer knowledgeable here so they expect a lot."

At the age of four, Mastroeni moved from Argentina to Phoenix, Ariz. He played soccer at North Carolina State and was chosen in the second round of the 1998 draft by the Miami Fusion. He played in Florida until joining the Rapids and knocking on Dick's Sporting Goods Park's door, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, in 2002.

"Especially with this new stadium, it's by far the best place to play in the league," Mastroeni said.

This season, Mastroeni's goal is to help the Rapids make the play-offs. He also wants to continue to improve as a player, working on cleaner touches, higher field position awareness and making better decisions faster. When he plays, it's with a reminder of his humble beginning on his back. As the last pick for the Fusion, jersey number 25 was all Miami had to offer, and Mastroeni keeps the number as a reminder that anything is possible.

When it comes to his sport, there are always challenges. "(Soccer) is one of the least popular sports here, but for the die-hards there's still a special place for it," Mastroeni said. "We're finally starting to break the stereotype that soccer will make it (in America)."

Although he enjoys Colorado, Mastroeni plans to try his foot on the European circuit when his Rapids contract is up at the end of the season. Mastroeni got a taste of international play as a member of the U.S. national team in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup tournaments.

"It's more for the experience than anything else," Mastroeni said "to touch pretty much every aspect of soccer."

Then, when all is kicked and scored, he intends to return to the States.

"I'd like to come back to Colorado and be a part of soccer here," Mastroeni said, "helping to develop youth or coaching college."

Mastroeni said he feels he has an obligation to give back to the state and sport that have given him so much.

"I couldn't think of a better place to start a family, kick-start a career and start a life these past six years."

Having played almost every position, except goalie, for the Rapids he's a versatile member of the club and team leader. When he's not on the field though, he's no Superman. In fact, Mastroeni says he's always the bad guy at home, playing the villain for his son Gianluca's, 3, imagination.

"He's more into super heroes than he is soccer," Mastroeni said.

Colorado Rapids home games 2008

Come see the Rapids play during their remaining home games at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City. For more information, call 303-727-3500.
• 9/14 @ 1p.m. VS. Chicago
• 9/20 @ 7 p.m. VS. New England
• 10/4 @ 7:30 p.m. VS. Houston
•10/25 @ 7:30 p.m. VS. Real Salt Lake

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