Dallas College Richland assistant men’s soccer coach Alberto Rodriguez just  re-signed with the Dallas Sidekicks, an indoor professional soccer team in the Major Arena Soccer League. He originally signed with the Sidekicks in 2022, and his new contract will run through the 2026 season.

Rodriguez’s story begins when he was born in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1987.  His journey didn’t start here,  Rodriguez has a rich history in the Dallas area.  Rodriguez grew up in Oak Cliff, attended Sunset High School where he played soccer, and is also currently a physical education teacher at Stevens Park Elementary in Oak Cliff.

Rodriguez also has a background  playing soccer  at Richland as he played a huge role in the Thunderducks 2006 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national championship team, scoring 15 goals and 11 assists in that season. He then moved on the NCAA Division II Midwestern State University, where he was awarded NCAA Division II First Team All-American after leading the team in goals (17) and points (42) his senior season. Rodriguez  got his first opportunity to play professionally for the North Texas Rayados, playing a crucial role in the team’s nine consecutive U.S. Open Cup appearances.

While  Rodriguez’s story truly is amazing, it doesn’t end there.  In November, he was on the sideline as he helped coach the Thunderducks to their sixth straight men’s soccer national championship in a row and a NJCAA leading 12th title overall.

Rodriguez scored 20 goals in 18 games last year  with the Sidekicks and looks to continue his success in the MASL.  He also  hopes some of our Richland students will come to cheer him on as the Sidekicks open their season at home Dec. 9 at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen.