The first time I met Gilberto, he was playing for the UPSL’s FC Grande, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As a supporter of the club, I could see his talent, that was obvious, but, more than anything, it was his passion that shone every match he played. Even the matches he didn’t play, he was always on the bench, trying to catch the coach’s eye to get into the match. And after the matches, he always made a point to talk to the fans and supporters. This season he played with San Antonio Runners, but has been working hard on landing an international spot. He’s a bright talent with a story, and, with a big move to Spain happening this month, we’re letting him tell it.

- Dan

What’s your backstory?

My name is Gilberto Garcia, I’m 22 years old and I was born in El Paso, Texas but I spent the first few years of my life in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico(where my family is from). I picked up soccer when I was 4 years old, I played for a local club in Juarez and fell in love with the sport, I just wanted to be like my older brothers who also played. I’m grateful my father was such a big fan of the sport, who also played his whole life but never had the support that I’ve had.

Can you describe your playing style, preferred position, players you model yourself after?

I would say my playing style has evolved throughout the years, I must admit I hit a stump in my career while in high school. I stopped taking it serious after I got a knee injury my junior season, as I was coming off winning a district championship and being the youngest on my varsity team. So in high school I would rely heavily on just speed then it evolved once I got to college, becoming more of a finishing player. I modeled my game after Luis Suarez, Lewandowski, you know all the great strikers. Once I got into the semi pro scene, I kept my striker mentality and also started becoming a better passer. I feel like I’ve now turned more into a playmaker but can still finish the play when needed. I started watching players like Isco & Neymar. So all in all, I like playing striker and CAM.

The UPSL’s Southwestern foes, like Sporting AZ FC, helped Garcia to be ready for his move to Spain.

You’re a veteran of the lower league scene in the US, where have you played and what was the experience like?

I’ve been in the trenches of the lower leagues in the US since summer of 18’ after I decided college wasn’t really getting me noticed. It’s definitely been a learning experience as you sometimes play against grown men so it gives you that Sunday league rawness. I’m grateful for the expansion of all these leagues as it made players like myself have more opportunities to get themselves out there. I’ve been at it for 3 seasons now, having my debut with FC Grande in Las Cruces, New Mexico. You’d be surprised how much local talent there is near the border, I then switched teams to the San Antonio Runners, in San Antonio, Texas to be closer to my sports agent Dr. Mario Sanchez. We had been cooking up the idea of playing in Spain for a few months so it was a good move.

Where are you headed next?

I am now headed to Alicante, Spain to play for Santa Pola CF.

How did you attract international attention?

As I mentioned, I linked up with my agent through one of my high school teammates who also went to Spain. I just messaged him one day and asked how he got noticed. I went to San Antonio in July of 2019 and conveniently the coach was in town visiting my agent so we met up and discussed the possibility of me going overseas and it took of from there.

What’s your goal for your first season in Spain?

My goal for my first season in Spain is to develop into a lethal striker, and honestly work on my all around game.

Any particular advantage of Spain versus another country?

I feel Spain has one of the most competitive leagues in the world being La Liga, so being in that country will turn me into a better player and hopefully I can climb up the ladder and make it onto a higher league team. The sky is the limit at this point so God Willing things will go well.

What are the biggest problems facing players in the states?

I believe the biggest problem in the US is that we don’t have the same system they have in Europe, where they play year round in professional academies. In the states, you have to fight to earn a scholarship and play college ball. In my opinion, it’s not the best route as you’re only in season about 3 months, and honestly Soccer isn’t viewed the same in the US as it comes second to American Football and Basketball.

Gilberto played the 2019 Fall season with the UPSL’s SA Runners.

Do you see yourself as a success story yet?

I like to think of myself as a success story in the making, I was a young kid when tragedy struck my family. We hit rock bottom and I have had to climb myself out of it for the past 5 years. Having to work full time jobs and still having to go to training an hour away then coming home to family issues can be draining on a young adult, but I know the most successful people come from struggle so I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder. So this is only the beginning of my story, I want kids younger than me to have somebody they can relate to and to know that no matter what life throws at you there’s still a way out.

What are your long term goals?

My long term goals are to make it to the big leagues, I know this career path isn’t forever but if I can get a good 10-15 years doing this then I’m happy. I just want to make my momma proud, my dad is the reason I got into the sport and my mom is the reason I never gave up. I want my brothers to live through me.

FC Grande jumped into the UPSL last year and immediately made an impact, winning most of their games and finishing second in the Southwest Conference. The Las Cruces, New Mexico talent of the players and the club’s early success was unexpected to many, but not to people of their home city. Central to that success was the play of team captain and experienced leader Pablo Rodriguez. Primarily playing as a defensive midfielder, Pablo was crucial to FC Grande’s strong defense. With the Southwest Conference kicking off in a month, we sat down with Pablo to talk about his path to FC Grande, his expectations for next season, and how FCG will get past the rest of a strong conference.

So tell us about your story. Where are you from, what do you do, tell us your soccer story.

My name is Pablo Rodriguez.

I was born in El Paso, Tx.

Was raised in Mexico , but at the age of 13 my parents decided to move to the States, so I guess you can say my youth soccer career started in Las Cruces. I was lucky enough to meet great people in the community that got me to play in a competitive team. I played for the FC Strikers during my youth, with them I was able to conquer a State Championship and a Regional Runner up. I also attended Mayfield High School - that’s where I graduated . After high school I attended a junior college based out of Colorado “Otero Junior College.“ I played soccer there for 2 years and was able to graduate with an Associates of Criminal Justice. Being a “ Juco,” I got offered a scholarship in Atlanta, Georgia at a University and that’s where I ended my College Soccer Career. I also played for the El Paso Patriots during the years of 2012-2014. The El Paso Patriots was a team that played in the Premier Development League better knows as “PDL.” There I was able to play in the Open Cup as well.

What's it like living in such an isolated town?

Living in Las Cruces it’s actually really nice. It’s a nice small town with great people in the community, everyone is kind and people are always happy to help one another.

What's the soccer community like in Las Cruces?

The soccer community is great, I have had the privilege to meet many coaches and players here and everyone is super supportive. I think we all saw last season that at our home games we had a great crowd, I believe we were Top 5 in the nation, that tells you how much the soccer community is involved in Las Cruces.

You've been with FC Grande since their first season. What has the process of starting from scratch been like?

The process has been really good, last year’s tryouts were very competitive, players from New Mexico and Texas attended so I thought the level of playing at tryouts was competitive. Being a first year team last year brought the soccer community very close, we are hoping this season it gets even better .

Your conference has been dominated by Sporting AZ FC. How does FC Grande climb the mountain this season?

I believe Sporting AZ is a well-organized team, but I wouldn’t give them that much respect. This conference is hard so anything can happen - anyone can beat anyone. As for us, we have been working really hard this off season, our goal is to bring a Conference Title to the Las Cruces community and we will work hard on and off the field to achieve this goal.

Has the success of Southwest FC (El Paso) in the USOC qualifiers made you wish FC Grande would enter?

I believe next year FC Grande will enter the Open Cup. It’s a great tournament to be in and with the talent this team has, we will do a good job.

Speaking of Southwest FC, apparently some FCG players jumped ship to join them, any thoughts?

I wish them all the best of luck, some of them are friends, but of course once in the field that friendship goes away.

Describe your game, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Last season I was in 2 different positions: I started as a center back, mid season I was playing as a holding mid. The way I control the game, it’s something the coaches have always liked about my style of play. This season I will be playing a role of more of an attacking player, creating more in the final third.

What have you worked on in the offseason?

Speed, I’m not much of a fast player, so I’ve been working on speed.

What should we expect from you and FCG this season?

Expect a young team with a lot of heart and hustle. The way last season ended just gave us more motivation to win a Conference title. We have been working really hard this off season so the team is ready to get rolling.

Chips Ahoy: original or chewy?

Soft baked.

What music are you listening to lately?

I like to listen to “reggaeton.” That style of music puts me in a good mood especially on game days.

If you want more information on Pablo and his season with FC Grande, follow him on Twitter.

For an article on FC Grande’s newest kit, here’s the spot.

Check out FC Grande’s website here.

Taking the Next Step: Gilberto Garcia

Player Profile: Pablo Rodriguez