VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release - www.vsi-fc.com
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – VSI Tampa Bay FC is proud to announce the addition of Portugal National team midfielder Andrea "A-Rod" Rodrigues to its W-League team, pending USSF approval.
Rodrigues recently completed her senior season at the University of Central Florida, helping the Knights to the Conference-USA title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s final eight.
The St. Petersburg, Florida native participated in several U-19 and U-20 national team camps and made her senior international debut in June of 2010 representing Portugal in a 1-0 win against Slovenia. In February of 2011 she scored two goals and had an assist in a UEFA qualifying match against Armenia, a 6-0 win. Rodrigues was Portugal’s top scorer in the 2013 Euro qualifiers with four goals.
The talented footballer has balanced her UCF and international commitments well. Rodrigues excelled athletically and academically at UCF, being named to the 2011-12 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. She also was a key contributor on the field for UCF, starting career-high 19 matches for the Knights in 2011 while scoring a goal and tallying three assists.
After her time with the Knights, Rodrigues was invited to preseason with the Boston Breakers of the National Women’s Soccer League, and was rostered for preseason matches against Boston College and Sky Blue FC in March.
Rodrigues and the VSI Tampa Bay FC W-League team will open their 2013 season Friday when they welcome the Carolina Elite Cobras to Plant City Stadium at 5 p.m. ET.