Feb. 4, 2010
By Jared Greenbaum
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - When 24 year-old Ryan Roushandel traveled to Costa Rica as a member of F.C. Atlanta, the former UCF soccer player was ecstatic to discover that an off-season training trip would lead him to a professional career and life-long dream.
Roushandel recently signed a professional contract with Brujas FC, a team that he previously played against in a friendly match during the trip. The club is based in Desamparados, Costa Rica, a suburb of San Jose. Although the team was founded in 2004 and is considerably new, Brujas competes in the Primera Division de Costa Rica, which is the highest division of Costa Rican soccer.
"It's really just an unbelievable feeling to know that hard work really does pay off. Being a professional soccer player has been my dream, and being able to play in another country like Costa Rica is a bonus. To be one in a handful of Americans to ever play in this league is just an honor and I am excited to get my career off to a great start."
Although the style of the game may be considered different from American soccer, Roushandel is excited to learn and participate in a new level of play.
"The soccer in this country is a passion, and the players here play with so much inspiration. Their intention is to make a big impact every time they have the ball. The speed of play is very fast here, and I like the rhythm of the game."
The club is equally excited to welcome the former Knight.
Manager Mauricio Wright stated, "Even though he is tall he is very good technically with the ball. He is very creative in the middle of the field and his versatility allows him to play as a holding midfielder also."
UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham is thrilled for Roushandel and is happy to see another one of his players enter into a professional career.
"I am extremely excited for Ryan and his family. He has dedicated his entire life to soccer and it is fantastic to see his dream of playing professional soccer realized."
After transferring from Clemson at the end of his freshman year, Roushandel had a very successful career at UCF. In three seasons with the Knights, he was named all-conference and all-region, earned a spot on the Conference USA All-Academic team and scored 12 goals.
In order to help a young UCF team, Roushandel moved to defender for his senior year. Although he was nervous about the switch, he knew it would help his versatility as a player and increase his chances for a professional soccer career - a chance he has now received.