To say Rodrigo Saravia has had a good month is quite the understatement.
The 22-year-old midfielder was drafted by Crew SC at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore on January 14, signed his first professional contract with the club on February 4, was called up by Guatemala’s National Team a day later, and earned his first cap for his country last night.
Saravia went the full 90 in Guatemala’s friendly with Honduras in his hometown, Guatemala City. Wearing number 20, Saravia played in central midfield helping Los Chapines overcome an early deficit to defeat Honduras 3-1.
This was Saravia’s second senior call-up and his first since being drafted and signed by the Black & Gold. He was first called up by La Azul y Blanco at the senior level for a camp on July 1, 2015. Prior to his senior team experience, Saravia was also called-up by the Guatemala Under-23 and Under-20 national teams.
Saravia is the 10th member of Crew SC's current roster to earn a senior National Team call-up while under the direction of Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. Overall, of the 26 players currently on the Black & Gold active roster, 15 have received a senior National Team call-up throughout their careers (Harrison Afful, Corey Ashe, Sergio Campbell, Conor Casey, Ethan Finlay, Waylon Francis, Kei Kamara, Ola Kamara, Emil Larsen, Cedrick Mabwati, Justin Meram, Michael Parkhurst, Rodrigo Saravia, Tony Tchani, Wil Trapp).
Before being drafted 19th overall at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Saravia played four seasons at Florida Gulf Coast University, making 67 appearances (65 starts) with two goals and seven assists. In 2015, he was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year as well as named First Team All-Atlantic Sun Conference for the second consecutive season.
Saravia’s next chance to represent his country could come against the United States. Guatemala will face the Stars and Stripes in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. The two teams will meet at the Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City on March 25. Four days later, on March 29, they will square off in Columbus at MAPFRE Stadium. Tickets for the 7 p.m. match go on sale to the general public tomorrow.
