Two games into his Canadian Premier League career and David Rodriguez is already turning heads. And leaving defenders in his wake.
The 22-year-old Mexican-American attacker, on loan from Mexico's Atlético San Luis, has two goals in two games to lead the CPL in goal-scoring along with Halifax's Giorgio Probo and York's Julian Altobelli.
"He's been doing great … If he keeps on doing that, I think he's going to cause chaos for defences," said veteran Ottawa midfielder Manny Aparicio.
Added Ottawa coach Diego Mejia: "He feels comfortable here, so we have the opportunity to see the best of David Rodriguez in the next months."
It's been more than good so far.
Rodriguez scored a highlight-reel goal last Sunday in Ottawa's 4-1 win at Vancouver FC, dribbling past several defenders on an extended run before firing a shot in the corner of the goal. Seventeen minutes later, there was another Rodriguez romp that led to an assist on Kévin dos Santos' goal.
And there was a stylish Rodriguez run in the season-opening 2-2 draw with the visiting Halifax Wanderers. But this time, instead of taking a shot, he passed the ball to Sam Salter and continued his run into the penalty box. Salter looped the ball over several Halifax defenders for Rodriguez to knock home.
Rodriguez comes to Ottawa after impressing with his play for San Luis' under-23 side. He has also made 16 appearances for San Luis' first team.
A dual national who is eligible to represent both the U.S. and Mexico, Rodríguez started his career with the FC Dallas academy, joining in 2017.
Two years later, as a 16-year-old, he joined FC Dallas' North Texas affiliate where he won the inaugural USL League One title in 2019, before returning to Mexico to play for the San Luis under-19 side.
A U.S. under-17 international, Rodriguez had a loan spell at Austin FC II in MLS Next Pro in 2023.
Ottawa, which ended York United's 2024 season in a playoff penalty shootout, hosts the Toronto side Saturday in Week 3 of the Canadian Premier League.
Tobias Warschewski's 95th-minute goal lifted reigning champion Cavalry FC into a 1-1 draw with visiting Vancouver FC on Friday night. Uruguayan midfielder Nicolás Mezquida, a former Vancouver Whitecap, had given Vancouver the lead in the 18th minute.
In other games Saturday, it's Pacific FC at Halifax Wanderers FC and Valour FC at Forge FC.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 18, 2025.
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
