TJ Rodriguez, 22, was invited to train with Sporting Kansas City's first team this week after impressing Peter Vermes and the rest of the coaching staff at the club's open tryouts in June. Rodriquez -- originally from Van Buren, Arkansas -- was most recently a standout for the Central Baptist College men's soccer program. He wrapped up his senior season with the Mustangs this past fall and made the most of his two days at Sporting Kansas City's annual open tryouts earlier this summer.
Rodriguez was one of three players out of more than 250 participants to get invited back to train with the senior team. Ivan Andrade and Elias Lopez are scheduled to join training next month.
TJ Rodriguez at the Sporting Club Training Center in Swope Park on Friday | Photo by Jamila St. Ann
