While most 17-year-olds are likely thinking about the following week's math test or what college they're planning on attending next fall, Colorado Rapids 2 midfielder Robinson Aguirre was getting the call up to represent the El Salvador National soccer team.
Born in Fairfax, Virginia, near Washington D.C. in the DMV region and known for its large and thriving Salvadorian population, Aguirre has been part of the Colorado Rapids Academy since 2019. He signed an amateur contract in March and joined the Colorado Rapids 2 at the start of the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season.
Aguirre cracked into the starting 11 right away and started the first two games of the season for Rapids 2. In those outings, Aguirre's passing accuracy and composure in the midfield were impressive, maintaining a passing accuracy of over 80 percent.
Soon after that, the midfielder got the call to represent the U-19 El Salvador soccer team in the 2022 edition of the Dallas Cup. The competition is renowned for being a springboard for young talent, and it has featured legendary names like Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and former MLS players like Ricardo Pepi and Alphonso Davies.
That Salvadorian team was able to go far in the Dallas Cup, and it was soon after the tournament concluded that Aguirre was given some great news.
"They told me that right after our final when we lost three one to Panama," Aguirre told MLS NEXT Pro. "They told me that I got the call for the senior team. So I went, and I flew back to El Salvador with them. I trained there, and then I came back to California, and I got my senior team debut there."
A Dream Debut
The Salvadorian National Team is amid a generational change after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Hugo Perez is presently scouring the world to bring in new talent and found Robinson Aguirre in hopes that he could impact the Senior National Team in the future.
Robinson Aguirre's debut for "La Selecta" came against Central American rival Guatemala at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles on April 24th.
"I was nervous at first when I went in at halftime, especially as going in the fans were going crazy cheering me on," Aguirre said, describing his debut. "I had so many emotions going through the game, But as the game went on, I started progressing to show what I could do."
During the interview with MLS NEXT Pro, Aguirre attributed his growth and development to the entire Colorado Rapids organization, especially the coaching staff, after struggling to get playing time.
In a press release, Chris Cartlidge, Colorado Rapids Academy Technical Director, said the following about Aguirre: "Robinson has excelled in each step of his development pathway through a commitment to excellence and by pushing himself to get better every day."
After spending time away training with El Salvador, Aguirre now hopes to bring his newfound experience back to Rapids 2 and continue his development.
"I feel like I feel more experienced now coming in, and I feel like I can bring a bigger impact to the team than I did before. And I know the team needs this too because they (Colorado Rapids 2) need players to go and do great things."
With American, Honduran, and El Salvadorian nationalities, there's still an option that Aguirre can play with any of those teams in official tournaments. As for hopes of playing for the other two countries, he said, "Right now, I'm with El Salvador and I'm grateful for what they're doing for me. Wherever I feel most comfortable is the place I'm going to go."
In the meantime, MLS NEXT Pro and Colorado Rapids 2 will enjoy their time with him.
