Cristian Roldan

{{short description|American soccer player (born 1995)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}

{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Cristian Roldan

| image = Cristian Roldan playing for the United States on June 6, 2019.jpg

| caption = Roldan with the United States in 2019

| full_name = Cristian Roldan{{cite web |url=http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019_Concacaf_Gold_Cup_Preliminary_Lists_May_20.pdf |title=40-Player National Team Roster: 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup: United States |publisher=CONCACAF |page=16 |access-date=May 21, 2019 |via=Bernews}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|6|3|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Artesia, California, United States

| height = {{convert|1.72|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://fdp.fifa.org/assetspublic/ce44/pdf/SquadLists-English.pdf |title=FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: List of players: United States |publisher=FIFA |page=31 |date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 24, 2022}}

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub = Seattle Sounders FC

| clubnumber = 7

| collegeyears1 = 2013–2014

| college1 = Washington Huskies

| collegecaps1 = 41

| collegegoals1 = 10

| years1 = 2013–2014

| clubs1 = Washington Crossfire

| caps1 = 13

| goals1 = 6

| years2 = 2015

| clubs2 = Seattle Sounders FC 2

| caps2 = 1

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2015–

| clubs3 = Seattle Sounders FC

| caps3 = 284

| goals3 = 37

| nationalyears1 = 2015

| nationalteam1 = United States U20

| nationalcaps1 = 2

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2017–2023

| nationalteam2 = United States

| nationalcaps2 = 37

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's Soccer}}

{{Medal|Country|{{USA}}}}

{{medal|Winner|CONCACAF Gold Cup|2017}}

{{medal|Winner|CONCACAF Gold Cup|2021}}

{{Medal|RU|CONCACAF Gold Cup|2019}}

| club-update = April 12, 2025

| nationalteam-update = July 12, 2023

}}

Cristian Roldan (born June 3, 1995) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders FC.

Roldan was the 2013 Gatorade National Player of the Year while playing for El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, California, and played collegiate soccer for the Washington Huskies. He was picked by the Sounders in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and developed into a regular starting player for the club, with over 300 total appearances {{as of|2024|lc=y}}.

Club career

=College and amateur=

Roldan was named the 2013 Gatorade National Player of the Year in soccer while attending El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, California.{{cite news|title=Cristian Roldan named Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year |url=http://usatodayhss.com/2013/cristian-roldan-named-gatorade-national-boys-soccer-player-of-the-year |website=USA Today High School Sports |date=May 20, 2013 |access-date=May 20, 2013}} He declined invitations from the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA to join their academy teams and led the El Rancho Dons to an undefeated season with 26 wins.{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=April 23, 2017 |title=How the Sounders' Cristian Roldan struck his own path in Pico Rivera |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/how-the-sounders-cristian-roldan-struck-his-own-path-in-pico-rivera/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 20, 2022}} In his junior year, he had 21 goals and 21 assists for El Rancho and also played for youth club Union Independiente.{{cite magazine |last=Bird |first=Liviu |date=January 15, 2015 |title=Cristian Roldan's up-and-down draft day ends in ideal Seattle destination |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2015/01/15/cristian-roldan-seattle-sounders-mls-superdraft |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=November 21, 2022}} During the 2012–13 season, he scored 54 goals and 30 assists and led El Rancho to a regional high school championship.{{cite news |last=Jiménez |first=Soudi |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Central American immigrants' World Cup dream comes true with Cristian Roldán of Team USA |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-11-18/immigrant-world-cup-dreams-come-true-cristian-roldan-parents |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}

Roldan was scouted by the University of Washington at a tournament in San Diego and spent his college career with the Washington Huskies. In his two seasons of college soccer, Roldan made a total of 41 appearances and tallied 10 goals and seven assists as he helped lead the team to a Pac-12 title in 2013.{{cite news |last=Camargo |first=Alberto |date=November 9, 2022 |title=The college careers of 8 USMNT World Cup players |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/soccer-men/article/2022-11-09/college-careers-8-usmnt-world-cup-players |work=NCAA.com |accessdate=November 20, 2022}} Roldan was named the 2013 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, beating future Sounders teammate Jordan Morris from the Stanford Cardinal.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 19, 2022 |title=How Sounders standouts Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris realized their World Cup dream |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/how-sounders-standouts-cristian-roldan-and-jordan-morris-realized-their-world-cup-dream/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}

During the college offseason, Roldan played in the Premier Development League for the Washington Crossfire.{{cite web|title=2013 Washington Crossfire stats|url=http://www.uslpdl.com/teams/2013/13598705.html#STATS|website=USLPDL.com|publisher=Premier Development League|access-date=April 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130851/http://uslpdl.com/teams/2013/13598705.html#STATS|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=2014 Washington Crossfire stats|url=http://www.uslpdl.com/teams/2014/13598705.html#STATS|website=USLPDL.com|publisher=Premier Development League|access-date=April 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208055718/http://www.uslpdl.com/teams/2014/13598705.html#STATS|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}} He joined the team in 2013 as part of preparations to join the Huskies.{{cite news |last=Eskilson |first=J.R. |date=July 19, 2013 |title=Roldan's mystery makes him exciting |url=https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/roldans-mystery-makes-him-exciting_aid29034 |work=TopDrawerSoccer.com |accessdate=November 20, 2022}} Roldan also played for the Portland Timbers U23s in the 2014 MLS Homegrown Game.{{cite magazine |last=Bird |first=Liviu |date=August 5, 2014 |title=Game of the future: Three thoughts on inaugural MLS Homegrown Game |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2014/08/05/three-thoughts-inaugural-mls-homegrown-game |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}

=Professional=

On January 8, 2015, it was announced that Roldan had left college early to sign a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer.{{cite web|title=Major League Soccer announces 2015 Generation adidas class|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/08/major-league-soccer-announces-2015-generation-adidas-class|website=MLSsoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=April 8, 2015|date=January 8, 2015|archive-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122235423/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/08/major-league-soccer-announces-2015-generation-adidas-class|url-status=dead}} He was expected to be selected early in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, but was chosen late in the first round with the 16th overall pick by Seattle Sounders FC.{{cite web|title=Sounders FC Selects Cristian Roldan in First Round of 2015 MLS SuperDraft|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2015/01/15/sounders-fc-selects-cristian-roldan-first-round-2015-mls-superdraft|website=SoundersFC.com|publisher=Seattle Sounders FC|access-date=March 8, 2015|date=January 15, 2015}} The Sounders traded with Real Salt Lake for the draft pick and had scouted Roldan during his offseason training sessions with the team. After making two substitute appearances the first two weeks of the season against the New England Revolution and the San Jose Earthquakes, Roldan made a substitute appearance for USL affiliate club Seattle Sounders FC 2 on March 21 and scored an 89th-minute goal in a 4–2 victory over defending USL champion Sacramento Republic FC.{{cite web|title=Match Recap: Sounders FC 2 earns 4–2 win over Sacramento in inaugural match|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2015/03/21/match-recap-sounders-fc-2-earns-4-2-win-over-sacramento-inaugural-match|website=SoundersFC.com|publisher=Seattle Sounders FC|access-date=April 8, 2015|date=March 21, 2015}} Due to injuries and international call-ups, he made his first MLS start the following week in a goalless draw away to FC Dallas.{{cite web|title=Sounders FC and FC Dallas play to a scoreless stalemate|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2015/03/28/sounders-fc-and-fc-dallas-play-scoreless-stalemate|website=SoundersFC.com|publisher=Seattle Sounders FC|access-date=April 8, 2015|date=March 28, 2015}}

Roldan developed into a deep-lying midfielder and earned a regular place in the starting lineup under head coach Sigi Schmid following his performances as an "impact substitute".{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=June 5, 2015 |title=First-round pick Cristian Roldan a rising star on Sounders squad |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/first-round-pick-cristian-roldan-a-rising-star-on-sounders-squad/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 21, 2022}} He was compared to captain and defensive midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, who Roldan regarded as a mentor and ultimately replaced.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=May 3, 2019 |title=For Sounders' Cristian Roldan, relief and excitement ahead of match vs. friend, mentor Osvaldo Alonso |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/for-sounders-cristian-roldan-relief-and-excitement-ahead-of-match-vs-friend-mentor-osvaldo-alonso/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 21, 2022}} Roldan scored his first career Major League Soccer goal on July 13, 2016, during a 5–0 win over FC Dallas.{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-enjoy-an-easy-5-0-victory-over-dallas-until-losing-clint-dempsey-to-a-red-card/|title=Sounders enjoy an easy 5-0 victory over Dallas, until losing Clint Dempsey to a red card|author=Matt Pentz|date=July 13, 2016|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=December 28, 2016}} He formed a partnership and personal friendship with fellow rookie Jordan Morris—previously a collegiate rival—that was dubbed "Jorstian Mordan".{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Arielle |date=July 7, 2017 |title=Morris, Roldan providing mutual support at US national team summer camp |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/morris-roldan-providing-mutual-support-us-national-team-summer-camp |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}

On November 10, 2019, Roldan featured for Seattle in a 3–1 home win over Toronto FC in MLS Cup 2019; he was involved in the build-up to his team's opening goal, after colliding with Jonathan Osorio, who lost the ball, while Seattle went on to score with Kelvin Leerdam.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2019/11/10/toronto-fc-cries-foul-after-mls-cup-letdown.html |title=Toronto FC cries foul after MLS Cup letdown |work=The Toronto Star |last1=Armstrong |first1=Laura |date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=November 11, 2019}} He also played all eight matches in Seattle's run to the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League title, providing one goal and five assists, and was named to the Team of the Tournament. Roldan underwent groin surgery in August 2022 to treat a sports hernia, his first major injury during his professional career.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Sounders star Cristian Roldan expected to miss 4-6 weeks after groin surgery |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-star-cristian-roldan-expected-to-miss-4-6-weeks-after-groin-surgery/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 20, 2022}} He returned to the team for their final three matches of the regular season as the Sounders failed to qualify for the playoffs.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 1, 2022 |title=Sounders might not be in playoffs race, but Cristian Roldan still has something to play for |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-may-not-be-playing-for-playoffs-but-cristian-roldan-still-has-something-to-play-for/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}

He signed a five-year contract extension with the Sounders in January 2023 alongside Morris.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=January 19, 2023 |title=After signing long-term deals with Sounders, Morris and Roldan are 'hungry' to keep winning |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/after-signing-long-term-deals-with-sounders-morris-and-roldan-are-hungry-to-keep-winning/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 17, 2023}} Roldan suffered a concussion during a regular season match against St. Louis City SC in April and missed several matches while undergoing treatment; he resumed training in late May.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=May 24, 2023 |title=Injured Sounders stars Raul Ruidiaz, Cristian Roldan nearing returns |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/injured-sounders-stars-raul-ruidiaz-cristian-roldan-nearing-returns/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 17, 2023}} Roldan had a second concussion during a Leagues Cup match in July and underwent more treatment, including sleep monitoring, at a facility in Detroit.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=September 1, 2023 |title=What to watch for as Sounders host Timbers in Cascadia rivalry match |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/what-to-watch-for-as-sounders-host-timbers-in-cascadia-rivalry-match/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 17, 2023}} He returned to play against FC Dallas on September 16.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=September 16, 2023 |title=Teenager Reed Baker-Whiting plays key role as Sounders tie FC Dallas |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/teenager-reed-baker-whiting-plays-key-role-as-sounders-tie-fc-dallas/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 17, 2023}}

International career

Roldan represented the United States at under-20 level. He was also eligible to represent either Guatemala or El Salvador through his parents,{{cite web|author1=Alicia Rodriguez|title=Could Seattle Sounders' Cristian Roldan play for Guatemala or El Salvador?|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/03/30/could-seattle-sounders-cristian-roldan-play-guatemala-or-el-salvador|website=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=November 28, 2016|date=March 30, 2016}} and mentioned in an interview that he had been offered senior callups from both nations.{{cite web|author1=Oficina de Comunicación MLS|title=Cristian Roldán: "Quiero jugar para una selección; tengo tres opciones, Guatemala, El Salvador y EEUU"|url=http://www.univision.com/deportes/futbol/mls/cristian-roldan-quiero-jugar-para-una-seleccion-tengo-tres-opciones-guatemala-el-salvador-y-eeuu|website=Univision.com|access-date=July 12, 2017|date=July 14, 2016}} On July 12, 2017, he was cap-tied to the United States national team by starting their 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage match against Martinique.{{cite web|author1=U.S. Soccer|title=Lineup Notes: MNT vs. Martinique – 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/07/12/23/48/20170712-news-mnt-v-martinique-starting-xi-lineup-notes-2017-concacaf-gold-cup-group-b-july-12|website=USSoccer.com|access-date=July 12, 2017|date=July 12, 2017}}

Roldan and Sounders teammate Jordan Morris were called up to the final roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Roldan had played limited minutes during the preceding World Cup qualifying campaign, but was chosen by Gregg Berhalter for his leadership in training and ability to play in several roles.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Sounders FC stars Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris earn spots on U.S. men's World Cup roster |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-stars-cristian-roldan-and-jordan-morris-earn-spot-on-us-mens-world-cup-roster/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Tenorio |first=Paul |date=November 17, 2022 |title=At the World Cup, 'glue guys' can have a big impact without playing a minute |url=https://theathletic.com/3902596/2022/11/16/world-cup-glue-guys/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=November 20, 2022}}

Personal life

Roldan was featured in an Adidas commercial as a nine-year-old, selected for his soccer ball juggling skills from 110 kids who tried out for the commercial.{{cite news|title=Cristian Roldan: From commercial star to Sounders rookie |url=http://komonews.com/sports/sounders/cristian-roldan-from-commercial-star-to-sounders-rookie |website=komonews.com |access-date=April 1, 2015}} Roldan is of Salvadoran and Guatemalan descent, and has an older brother named Cesar Jr., who works as a trainer for the LA Galaxy, and a younger brother Alex who has also played for the Sounders since 2019.{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=January 19, 2018 |title=Sounders select Alex Roldan, younger brother of Cristian Roldan, in first round of MLS SuperDraft |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-select-alex-roldan-younger-brother-of-cristian-roldan-in-first-round-of-mls-superdraft |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 20, 2018}}{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=August 1, 2017 |title=Sounders' Cristian Roldan remembers the sacrifices his parents made in Pico Rivera |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-cristian-roldan-remembers-the-sacrifices-his-parents-made-in-pico-rivera |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 20, 2018}}

He married physician assistant Ciana Baron on December 31, 2022.{{cite web |title=Profile: Cristian Roldan |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/players/r/cristian-roldan |publisher=U.S. Soccer |accessdate=September 17, 2023}}

Career statistics

=Club=

{{updated|match played April 12, 2025}}{{Soccerway|cristian-roldan/398684}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season, and competition

!rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|Playoffs{{efn|Includes MLS Cup playoffs}}

!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes U.S. Open Cup}}

!colspan="2"|Continental

!colspan="2"|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Seattle Sounders FC 2

|2015

|USL

|1

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—10
rowspan="12"|Seattle Sounders FC

|2015

|MLS

|22

030106{{efn|Appearances in CONCACAF Champions League/Cup|name=CCL}}0colspan="2"|—320
2016

|MLS

|33

46031colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—425
2017

|MLS

|33

65000colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—386
2018

|MLS

|34

410004{{efn|name=CCL}}0colspan="2"|—394
2019

|MLS

|29

64000colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—336
2020

|MLS

|22{{efn|Includes three appearances in MLS is Back Tournament group stage}}

240colspan="2"|—2{{efn|name=CCL}}11{{efn|Appearance in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage}}0293
2021

|MLS

|28

610colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—3{{efn|name=LC|Appearances in Leagues Cup}}1327
2022

|MLS

|26

4colspan="2"|—008{{efn|name=CCL}}1colspan="2"|—345
2023

|MLS

|16

34000colspan="2"|—2{{efn|One appearance in FIFA Club World Cup, one appearance in Leagues Cup}}0223
2024

|MLS

|33

14130colspan="2"|—5{{efn|name=LC}}0452
2025

|MLS

|8

100colspan="2"|—3{{efn|name=CCL}}000111
colspan="2"|Total

!284

373218122211135742
colspan="3"|Career total

!285

373218122211135842

{{notelist}}

=International=

{{updated|match played July 12, 2023}}{{NFT|68549}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"

|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year

!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals

rowspan="7"|United States

|2017

10
201840
2019140
202000
2021110
202220
202350
colspan="2"|Total370

Honors

Seattle Sounders FC

United States

  • CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2017,{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2017/07/27/usmnt-defeats-jamaica-win-concacaf-gold-cup/515273001/|title= U.S. men's national team defeats Jamaica to win CONCACAF Gold Cup|date=July 26, 2017|work=USA Today|accessdate=July 5, 2023}} 2021{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/602722 |title=United States beats Mexico in Gold Cup final on late Miles Robinson header |work=ESPN |date=August 1, 2021 |access-date=April 25, 2023}}

Individual

  • MLS All-Star: 2021
  • CONCACAF Champions League Best XI: 2022{{cite news|date=May 6, 2022|title=Lodeiro, Dinenno headline 2022 SCCL Best XI|url=https://www.concacaf.com/en/champions-league/news/lodeiro-dinenno-headline-2022-sccl-best-xi/|access-date=May 6, 2022|publisher=CONCACAF}}

References

{{Reflist}}