The Fresno City College men’s soccer team is continuing their strong start to the season with a strong defensive front and some of the top scorers in the central valley.

Forward Jonathan Rodriguez has scored 12 goals this season and hopes to continue the strong start to his freshmen season.

Jonathan Rodriguez is a 22-year-old physical education major, who has been playing soccer since he was nine.

Rodriguez first got into soccer through his local youth soccer leagues where he took a liking to the sport.

He played for Washington Union High School, where he would win a valley soccer championship in 2015 before enrolling in Fresno City College.

Ram’s men’s soccer coach Eric Solberg saw Rodriguez as a star prospect, after seeing how talented he was during his time at Washington Union.

Being looked at for his aggressive play able to keep the ball on opponent’s side of the field, while making quick decisions on where to strike the ball at goal or setting his teammate for a quick strike giving him a greater dynamic for him to be used.

“Jonathan is a great guy. I’ve watched him for three years at Washington Union and he was one of the top players that I wanted to get, as he has everything you want in a player,” Solberg said.

“He is great in front of the net, getting whatever the goalkeeper gives him. I hope he continues doing much of the same to stay aggressive.”

The soccer season is now at its halfway point, and Rodriguez knows there is still more work to be done. Everything they do is to get to the state championship.

Rodriguez always finds ways to improve and the 12 goals he scored so far this season is just the beginning of what he and his team can achieve this season.

“I have to keep getting better and stronger because everything that I do to get to where we need to be at the end of the season,” said Rodriguez.

“My teammates are what make me better. They perform their best, giving me the best opportunities to perform well and win.”

The Rams roster know they have a great athlete in Rodriguez, and they believe they are meant for big things.

Rodriguez’ teammate,midfielder  Jorge Garcia, believes that Rodriguez is one of those rare talents that comes around every so often, and is the kind of player they need in order to win a championship.

“He is a natural forward that knows how to finish strikes. It has been awhile since we have had that kind of player and he is what we need to win a championship,” Garcia said.

Rodriguez is always looking ahead to what will come next in his life.

He is planning to transfer to Fresno State to continue his collegiate soccer career once his time at Fresno City College is done.

He hopes to go professional, playing for any soccer club that is willing to have him.