When MetroStar scouts first saw Rodrigo Faria last year in the Copa Latina games, they knew the 6-1 forward playing for Team USA had enough talent to make it in the MLS. But what they didn’t count on was Faria going on to exceed all expectations in his first year.
Heading into tonight’s home encounter with the 7-13-6 New England Revolution, Faria (6 goals, 2 assists) finds himself tied with Colorado’s Chris Carrieri for the league lead in points for rookies, with 14. Faria’s stellar play has made the 24-year-old a front-runner to capture the league’s Rookie of the Year trophy.
“I would love to win Rookie of the Year,” Faria said. “The award would be very prestigious. It would actually help me out for next year as well. Teams would have to notice me. It would help me to stay in New York and work out a new contract, because I want to continue to play here.”
Before the season is completed, Faria may also have some records to go with that trophy.
He is now chasing both Chicago’s Josh Wolff and Columbus’ Jeff Cunningham for the rookie record of eight goals, set in 1998. He also has a shot at total points in a season achieved by current teammate Clint Mathis (20), also set in ’98 while a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.
When you flash back to when Mathis first went down, it seemed the MetroStars didn’t have enough firepower to carry them deep into the playoffs. But now with Faria contributing, as well as forwards Adolfo Valencia and Tab Ramos, the 12-10-3 MetroStars seem ready to make some serious noise.