Larkin's Rodriguez thrived on pressure

When the chips are the on the line, Larkin senior boys soccer player David Rodriguez wants the ball.

"I love being under pressure," said Rodriguez. "I like it better that way. I thrive on it. It brings the better out of me. It brings out more than you think you even have. It makes you capable of doing things you don't think you can do. The adrenaline goes up and you do those things. And we had a lot of tough games this year, which was good."

And Rodriguez was front and center for the Royals in those intense games. Out of his team-high 20 goals this season, Rodriguez netted 7 game-winners. He also had 13 assists for a total of 53 points.

For his efforts, Rodriguez has been named the honorary captain of the Daily Herald's 2007 All-Area boys soccer team.

"He's a big-time goal-scorer," said Larkin coach Ken Hall. "David has a definite desire to win and succeed."

But to Rodriguez, his goal-scoring prowess was made possible this season by taking a step back.

"My composure out there has helped me a lot," said Rodriguez, an all-Upstate Eight Conference and all-sectional pick this season. "I've learned not to lose my head and get out of my game. If the game is physical, I don't get caught in it. I worry about my game and how I can help my team out. I do what I need to do at the right time. I keep a cool head out there."

As team captain, Rodriguez, who had 8 goals for Larkin during an injury-shortened junior season, assumed a strong leadership role for the Royals, who advanced to the sectional final for the second straight year.

"I think I've been a pretty good leader," said Rodriguez, who currently plays for the Ajax FC Chicago club team out of Naperville. "Guys look up to me to help on and off the field. I had to make sure I kept my head in the game. You can't lose your head on the field because you want to set a good example and help out.

"I'm pretty much more of a leader than a follower. I like being a captain. I've been a captain before on the club teams I played on. I like keeping everybody focused and looking after people and helping them out. A lot of people think being a leader is a big responsibility. It is, but it comes normally to me. I don't have to work hard at it."

Hall gave Rodriguez high marks in the leadership department.

"His leadership qualities as a senior were tremendous," said Hall. "We only had five seniors this year and two were newcomers. His leadership with these guys helped them develop and helped him become a stronger individual and a stronger team player and that led to a lot of success."

Leadership also has something to do with Rodriguez's flair for shining in those critical moments.

"When the game is on the line, I have to step it up," said Rodriguez. "I do step it up and that comes with being a captain and a leader. That's what I like to do. You have to be a difference maker in the games and in tough situations."

Rodriguez rates a game-winning goal he had against Lake Park as one of his favorites.

"It was a big game against Lake Park," said Rodriguez. "I had to step up. We had some guys that were hurt. It was 0-0 with 20 minutes left in the game and I scored. It was one of the best goals I've had."

Rodriguez also had a key goal in a match against St. Charles North.

"We were down 1-0 and I tied it up and got the momentum back," said Rodriguez, who enjoys reading in his spare time. "I enjoy playing against the tough teams."

Rodriguez was also able to excel using a combination of strength and quickness on the field.

"He did everything very well," said Hall. "He was strong on the ball and once he got the ball he was hard to possess. He's strong and he's quick and that combines those assets into a lethal weapon up top. If a defense puts a fast guy on him, he's not as strong as David. If they put a strong guy on him, he's not as fast as him. It's hard for defenses to match up with him."

Rodriguez started playing soccer at the age of 10.

"I fell in love with the game," said Rodriguez. "I got started because of my friends. I just started playing at school. Before I wasn't fit and soccer made me get in better shape.

I wanted to do everything I could to make myself better. I would get a soccer ball and practice in my backyard. Every day I would be out there practicing. "

Rodriguez is a big fan of Chelsea FC's Didier Drogba, a native of the Ivory Coast.

"I like his finishing skills and I like how he is calm throughout the game," said Rodriguez, who has three posters of Drogba in his room and has a Drogba Chelsea jersey that he dons frequently.

"He always looks like he is having fun out there. He's the guy Chelsea looks for in big games and when they need big goals. He always shines when the spotlight is on him."

Looking ahead, Rodriguez would like to continue his career after high school. He said he has received interest from several colleges locally and a few in Wisconsin.

"One of my dreams is to play in college," said Rodriguez. "I want to continue to play at a higher level."

This past season is one Rodriguez felt was special on a number of fronts, especially in terms of the support the team received.

"We had some great support from the school and the parents and from the fans," said Rodriguez.

But Rodriguez walks away with an even more powerful memory of his senior season.

"I think we put Larkin soccer on the map, for sure," he said. "I'm glad I played at Larkin. I made a lot of friends and grew close to these guys and created a lot of bonds with people. These guys weren't just teammates. I would do anything for them. They are family."