Very little was known about Ángelo Rodríguez when Minnesota United made him their second designated player. Before coming to MLS, he had a nomadic existence in the Colombian leagues, and the fact that he ended up on Minnesota’s radar at all was somewhat random; Sporting Director Manny Lagos was scouting a player from another Colombian team when Rodríguez caught his eye.



Since then, the striker has earned plenty of recognition for his strong holdup play, and with three goals in his last five games he’s starting to provide the Loons with some sorely needed attacking power up top.



In his first extended sit-down interview since signing last summer, Rodríguez opened up to The Athletic about starting his career in Colombia, his breakout years with Deportes Tolima, coming to MLS, how he developed his style of play, and the role his family has on his life. Oh—and his love of Famous Dave’s.



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