DOMINICAN ALUM PLAYING IN POLAND WITH LKS LOMZA
Orangeburg, N.Y. (4/30/14) Dominican College men's soccer alum, Alex Rodier, recently signed with LKS Lomza in Poland.
Courtesy of www.westchestercountyflames.com
Orangeburg, N.Y. (4/30/14) Dominican College men's soccer alum, Alex Rodier, recently signed with LKS Lomza in Poland.
Rodier, a 2013 graduate of Dominican College, was a four-year starter for the Chargers. He earned All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) First Team honors, was a two-time CACC All-Tournament selection and was named CACC Player of the Week in his tenure at DC. In his sophomore year, he led the Chargers in scoring and points.
Rodier in action for Polish club LKS Lomza
Alex Rodier is another player from the Westchester Flames 2012 USL PDL team who has found success in Europe. Following Mike da Fonte in Portugal and Jake Keegan in Germany and now in Ireland, Rodier recently signed with LKS Lomza in Poland. Prior to playing in the PDL for the Flames in 2012, Rodier played for Ocean City's Super-20 team. Rodier played college soccer at Dominican College where in 2010 he was an all-conference first-team selection after starting all 21 of the team's matches and leading the team with 10 goals.
Those achievements caught the eye of Flames Head Coach Gus Skoufis who described Rodier as "a player I was very excited to have join our PDL team in 2012. Alex had shown how much ability he has during the 2010 season with Dominican. I'm very excited to see that he has gone on to achieve his dream of playing professional soccer and wish him all the best for the future."
Recently, we caught up with Alex to find out more about his experiences thus far in Poland.
What led you to play in Poland with LKS Lomza?
I was playing on an amateur team based out of Stamford, CT; Olympia Stamford SC. The owner of the club, George Karwowski asked me if I was interested in an opportunity in Poland. I took the opportunity to come and try out here in Poland, and made sure not to waiste it.
What has the whole experience of playing in Poland been like so far?
This has easily been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Playing professionally has always been my dream, and now I have the opportunity to focus on improving myself day in and day out to try and reach new heights. Also, I am experiencing a new culture, learning a new language, and meeting all sorts of interesting people along the way.
What have you found to be different about the game in Poland as compared to the U.S?
I have found that the game here in Poland is a bit more technical and organized than in the US. We work on a lot of technical part of the game while incorporating tactics and fitness into our training sessions. In the US, I feel that the focus is a lot on fitness without incorporating these other aspects of the game and vice versa.
What are your thoughts about your experience in the USL PDL with the Westchester Flames?
My experience with the Flames was great. I improved a great deal while I was with them, played at a high level, and had great fun while doing it. It was an overall positive experience.
How do you think that playing in the USL PDL helped you to develop as a player?
My experience with the Flames was very important in my development as a soccer player. We played at a very high level, against teams with great players and coaches. I also played with a couple of guys who have went on to become professionals, Jake Keegan and Mike Da Fonte. Playing at this level helped me gain the consistancy, commitment, and work ethic it takes to become a professional.
What are some of your fondest memories from the time you spent with the Flames?
The best memories with the Flames came during our trip to Bermuda. There is nothing better for some team bonding than a trip to a tropical paradise.