6 hours ago
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FORMER CAVALIER left back, Lamonth Rochester, has only been playing in Mexico a little over a month but the Dorados de Sinaloa player has been making waves in his short time in the Spanish-speaking country.
The young defender has become an undisputed starter for the team led by Sebastián Abreu, thanks to his power and solidity in defence and ball-handling skills.
After debuting in Liga de Expansion MX against Tapatío, on matchday five of the current Clasura, the 21-year-old Rochester has now become a pillar in defence for Dorados de Sinoloa.
Apart from being in the team’s top three for ball recovery and distribution, Rochester has played all 360 minutes since his first start. His strength in the air, leadership and ability to impose himself in one-on-ones have also earned him many admirers around the league, and the former Chicago Fire FC II player said the move has been a good one for him.
“This was kind of a good move for me personally. I felt really welcomed when I just came here. They helped me during training and they took the extra time explaining a lot of stuff.
“I came about a week before my first game, and the coaches took their time out to get me to understand how the team plays. The captain of the team spoke with me to get more fundamentals about the team,” he said.
Although his transition on the park has been seamless, he said it has been much tougher than it appears.
“I am getting used to the players. Compared to where I was playing, it is much faster. It was an adaption because it is more physical, the level is very good. So I like it,” he said.
Dorados are now 11th in 14-team Liga de Expansion MX and the challenge for Rochester and the team is to close the second part of the championship strong, with the hope of a qualifying position and a place in the final phase.
“My short-term goal is to help the team perform better because right now we are going through a rough patch. There will be better days for sure, but my short-term goal is to help the team secure wins.”
Rochester has represented the national team at the under-17 and under-20 level, and has one senior team cap to his name under Heimir Hallgrimsson, and his dream is to return to the senior set-up in the future.
“For me, it would be mean a lot. It would be a dream for me. I have played once with the national team in a friendly and that meant a lot for me and my family, especially my father, who has been there with me right through everything.
“It would mean a lot to get called and actually be able to play more with the national team. For me and my family, it would be a dream come true.”
English (US) ·