Roberto Molina Summoned to El Salvador Squad
September 18, 2021 | Men's Soccer
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Friday afternoon came the announcement from the El Salvador men's national team bringing on Roberto Molina for an upcoming friendly.
"Honestly, it is a blessing. I didn't think it would come this quick, but I'm happy about it and very excited."
Molina made his first appearance in a friendly back on August 21 in Carson, Calif. entering in the 70th minute of a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica. Molina did not make the final squad during the initial window of 2022 World Cup Qualifying matches in CONCACAF where they drew with the United States and Honduras, and lost to Canada.
"It's the second call-up, but this one will be longer so hopefully it increases my chances on getting called for World Cup Qualifiers. Just happy about the situation, and thankful for everyone who has been part of my journey."
He may earn the chance to join in one of the four remaining windows including the upcoming window from October 7-13 where La Selecta will play at Costa Rica and host Panama and Mexico. For now, another friendly to show his stuff comes Friday, September 24, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. against the national team from Guatemala. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PST.
"We are so excited for Roberto and wish him well in the upcoming match," boasted a proud head coach Yossi Raz. "Seeing our players moving on and accomplishing great things in the field of their choice, and in this case professional fútbol, is extremely rewarding. Those are the best ambassadors of our soccer program, the athletic department, and our university."
Molina is the fifth Anteater in recent times to represent their senior national team on the soccer field. Notably, Brad Evans and Miguel Ibarra earned a handful of caps with the United States including World Cup Qualifying appearances. Others have been Lester Hayes III with Puerto Rico this year, current forward Ryan Khedoo playing friendlies with Guyana over the summer, and even a pair of 'Eaters earning time with their nation's under-20 clubs with Kwabena Boateng on the U.S. squad in 2019 and Amani Walker with Jamaica back in 2009.
"Honestly, it is a blessing. I didn't think it would come this quick, but I'm happy about it and very excited."
Molina made his first appearance in a friendly back on August 21 in Carson, Calif. entering in the 70th minute of a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica. Molina did not make the final squad during the initial window of 2022 World Cup Qualifying matches in CONCACAF where they drew with the United States and Honduras, and lost to Canada.
"It's the second call-up, but this one will be longer so hopefully it increases my chances on getting called for World Cup Qualifiers. Just happy about the situation, and thankful for everyone who has been part of my journey."
He may earn the chance to join in one of the four remaining windows including the upcoming window from October 7-13 where La Selecta will play at Costa Rica and host Panama and Mexico. For now, another friendly to show his stuff comes Friday, September 24, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. against the national team from Guatemala. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PST.
"We are so excited for Roberto and wish him well in the upcoming match," boasted a proud head coach Yossi Raz. "Seeing our players moving on and accomplishing great things in the field of their choice, and in this case professional fútbol, is extremely rewarding. Those are the best ambassadors of our soccer program, the athletic department, and our university."
Molina is the fifth Anteater in recent times to represent their senior national team on the soccer field. Notably, Brad Evans and Miguel Ibarra earned a handful of caps with the United States including World Cup Qualifying appearances. Others have been Lester Hayes III with Puerto Rico this year, current forward Ryan Khedoo playing friendlies with Guyana over the summer, and even a pair of 'Eaters earning time with their nation's under-20 clubs with Kwabena Boateng on the U.S. squad in 2019 and Amani Walker with Jamaica back in 2009.
??????| Los convocados por @hugoperez_07 para el microciclo de trabajo previo al juego ?? #Guatemala el próximo Viernes 24 de septiembre en el Audi Field de Washington D.C. #ElSalvador #SelectaMayor pic.twitter.com/s4eQAr6iYW
— La Selecta (@LaSelecta_SLV) September 17, 2021
Players Mentioned
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