RENTON — As the only player representative from the United States men’s national team at Super Bowl LX, Cristian Roldan had several surreal moments that went beyond even that designation.
Like when Chad Ochocinco not only chatted him up, but seemed to be well aware of who he was. Like when he was invited into Jozy Altidore’s luxury box and got to meet celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Like when he was invited onto Telemundo’s desk to participate in the pregame show and revealed his Seattle Seahawks fandom in front of the largest-ever Spanish language audience for a Super Bowl.
“It was amazing to be able to meet some pretty famous people and experience such a big event,” Roldan said earlier this week. “It just made me really excited for the World Cup and what’s to come.
“I’ve been a player for so long and it gives me a different look to what a production like the Super Bowl or any sporting event looks like.”
As a child of two Central American immigrants, Roldan was also proud to play a small part in what many people were calling the “Latino Bowl.” Not only was Puerto Rico native Bad Bunny the halftime performer, but a record number of players with Latino heritage were playing for the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
“It was important, I think, for Latin America, for South, Central America, to the Caribbean, too, to get that spotlight they deserve,” Roldan said.
Battle in the midfield
With the departure of Obed Vargas, Hassani Dotson has emerged as the favorite to start next to Roldan in the Sounders midfield. While Roldan was the clearly more defensive of the pairing with Vargas, this could be more of a true double-pivot with Dotson.
“Hassani has traits that Obed doesn’t, Obed obviously has traits that Hassani doesn’t,” Roldan explained. “We’re just getting used to each other. It’s just important to get those reps.
“But I think I understand Hassani really well. He’s a smart player, and I think he’s going to fill our void, or whoever it is, will fill our void that we’re missing.”
Roldan was also quick to note that nothing has been fully decided, listing Snyder Brunell, Nikola Petković and even Albert Rusnák as players who could also see time next to him.
“We’re going to miss Obed, but we’ve got options,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said.
Sounders looking fit
One of the biggest priorities during every preseason is making sure players are physically ready for the what is always a grueling campaign. Schmetzer could hardly be happier with the progress his players have made so far under the guidance of Sounders Director of Performance Adam Centofanti, noting that many players have already stretched themselves to 90-minute fitness with another preseason game left to play.
“We nailed the fitness side of it.,” Schmetzer said. “Adam is great. He’s the best fitness coach in the league.”
The one concern, though, is at centerback. Although none of the injuries happened during the European portion of preseason, Stuart Hawkins, Ryan Sailor and Kim Kee-hee all remain out. That leaves starters Jackson Ragen and Yeimar Gomez Andrade as the only two healthy natural centerbacks.
“We are light,” Schmetzer said. “They’re all at different stages of rehab. Not any of those three are gonna be ready for the opening game, but hopefully shortly thereafter.”
