David Estrada Is Drafted Into the MLS
By Efraín Cruz, Latin Media Gurus Contributor
Hello fellow LMG followers, I had the great opportunity of speaking with four-year UCLA soccer player David Estrada who was just drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with the 11th pick overall to the Seattle Sounders FC.
David was born in Morelia, Michoacán and raised in the agricultural community of Salinas, California. Having walked on to UCLA his freshman year, he surprised everyone becoming Soccer America’s freshman of the year.
Now four years later he has the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing professionally. I caught up with David during this very special moment for him and his family.
Interview with David Estrada
Latin Media Gurus Exclusive
E: First of all congratulation on being selected in the MLS draft! What was your initial reaction upon you hearing your name?
D: Thank you. It was a huge surprise and did not expect it at all. When I heard my name announced I honestly lost my mind and ran out of my house and screamed my lungs out, then called my cousin Jazz who lives in L.A. to share the moment.
E: What were your expectations going into this draft? Was entering the MLS Draft always your plan?
D: I expected to go early 3th or 4th and it never really crossed my mind that I would be chosen in the first. I decided I would give it my all when I heard I was going to be invited to a couple of combines and especially the MLS combine.
E: Tell me about your family, they must have been really excited! What does this mean for your family?
D: I have an amazing family that has always been supportive of what I’ve done in soccer from high school to UCLA and now this new chapter in my soccer career. They were all really proud of me and it’s because of their support that I believe I have come this far. Jazz Rodriguez is a cousin from LA who had never stop believing in me and he is a big reason of why I have come this far.
E: Growing up in Salinas, CA was playing futbol professionally always your goal?
D: Since very young soccer was something I wanted to continue doing as long as I could. I never thought I would have played at UCLA until my sophomore year (in high school) when my cousin told me he believed I had what it took to play in Division 1. During my college years he always pushed me and said I could make it. This kind of support and the hard worked paid off and I am glad I can continue playing soccer at a professional level; the money is the last of my concerns. I come from Salinas, CA an Agricultural area and I am proud of where I come from. It’s not the safest and especially the section where I am from, East Salinas, but I love it the same.
E: You’ve already faced a few obstacles, basically walking on to UCLA to being named Soccer America Freshman of the Year and then injuring your foot the next year, what have these challenges taught you as you go into the next level?
D: These have been obstacles that have made me become mature. My mental toughness is another thing that has changed and showed this past year. All these challenges where tough to overcome these past four years and I consider them beneficial to my development as a soccer player and person. I know how hard I must work and I will continue to do the same in this new chapter of my life.
E: You’re going to the Seattle Sounders who have Freddie Ljungberg, former Arsenal player and Swedish international, how does it feel to have the opportunity to train with a player of such a background?
D: I am just excited of the opportunity to play next to players like him, who have played at the highest level and hopefully can feed of his game.
E: Obviously there is a long road ahead, but what is your ultimate dream playing soccer?
D: My ultimate dream is to say I played professionally. It does not matter where but I would like to play for as long as I can. This is a great opportunity, but like you said I still have a long road ahead of me.
E: Any message for the young kids, particularly the young Latino kids out there who dream of achieving such a goal?
D: I would say to have fun and if they’re serious about pursuing something in soccer to always work hard and never let anyone tell them that they can’t do something. Always be humble.
E: That’s a great message David and just one last question out of curiosity, what was the team you rooted for growing up?
D: Cruz Azul, my man.
E: No más tienen que dejar de ser los subcampeones de México, hopefully they win the title soon.
D: Yeah man, this year for sure (laughs).
E: Thanks a lot for your time, I appreciate it a lot and the best of luck in Seattle y échale ganas!
D: Alright man, no problem. Thank you and hope all is well in LA.