VANCOUVER, B.C. - A familiar face will make his return to BC Place this evening as Mauro Rosales returns with his new team FC Dallas to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps. Rosales made 35 appearances during his time with Vancouver and started in 29 matches combined during the 2015 and 2014 season. Known for his terrific passing, free kick ability, and veteran leadership, he quickly became a fan favourite and a popular Vancouver Whitecaps teammate.
Rosales was traded to FC Dallas on February 16, 2016 for striker Blas Perez. Upon his return to Vancouver, Red Nation Online was able to catchup with Rosales to discuss a variety of topics including the Whitecaps scoring troubles, FC Dallas Coach Oscar Pareja and that brilliant Rosales free kick on Sunday.
RNO: You know the Vancouver Whitecaps players very well, why do you think they aren't scoring this year?
Mauro Rosales (MR): I think the goals will come sooner or later. I know they are working very hard to get goals in open play and not set plays, like what has happened. I think it's just a matter of time, they are creating chances and we see that they are a dangerous team. I've played here so I know how good the team is and the players. I have no doubt that they're going to come back, hopefully not this game (laughs). Obviously I wish them nothing but the best. I think it's just time, it's just about timing. It's just the beginning of the season and they will do much better.
RNO: How did you first hear about an off-season trade with FC Dallas?
MR: I was in touch with FC Dallas and I knew they wanted me in the team. They talked with Vancouver and made a deal with Blas Perez. It's how this league works and the teams can make these kinds of trades and I was able to go to Dallas.
RNO: Why do you think you weren't able to re-sign with Vancouver during the off-season?
MR: I was hoping to re-sign here, but obviously the team was looking for another kind of players, so I wasn't included in that list. I have to understand that the club needs different kinds of players. Probably younger, with experience, but different positions and not what I use to do with teams. I feel that I can play anywhere, so this change came and I took it. I took it, and it's a really good team, competitive, and young team and I'm enjoying being here.
RNO: How do you look back on your time with the Vancouver Whitecaps?
MR: The best times, one of the best times. We had one of the best years in Whitecaps history. We got some good prizes, the Canadian Cup and being second in the Western Conference and having a really good season. I'm really happy with what we did. Obviously it wasn't what I normal do with teams, but I was really happy with my job and when the coaches needed me in one aspect. I was helping the team in the best way I could. I believe it was successful because we did great.
RNO: What's it like playing for FC Dallas?
MR: The best as well. We've just played seven games in the season, but we had a very good pre-season in Arizona, working really hard to get to this point and get to what we've done in the last seven games we've played. We are in a very good position and we want to keep moving in that direction. The team is growing everyday, from last year as well. I'm happy.
RNO: People sometimes say that FC Dallas Coach Oscar Pareja is high energy and a bit animated, what kind of coach is he?
MR: Oscar is competitive and a winner. Everyone in his staff has the mentality to win things, and to be successful around this league. He's promoting a lot of young talent and promoting a lot of quality players like Carl (Robinson) did last season. They have a very good mentality, they always challenge us to be the best and pushing everyone to get the best out of them.
RNO: How does FC Dallas compare to some of the other MLS teams you have previously played with?
MR: We have pretty much similar conditions that we had with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders. We all go for corners, we all have speed players, we all have young talent that they're promoting in this league. You saw the last couple of years, playing against FC Dallas. They were some huge and very competitive matches and we enjoyed it a lot. It's a job and everybody wants to get those points and that will be tomorrow as well. They wish to get points and we wish to be keeping our first position in the standings.
RNO: What were you feeling leading up to your free kick goal against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday?
MR: I was feeling great to have that chance. I was just two minutes into the game and I had that chance to score and make the goal winner that put us in first position against a very good team. I'm really happy to be part of the group, and very happy to help the team in that aspect. I'm looking forward to having more minutes.
RNO: It looked like you were intentionally targeting the smallest player in the Sporting Kansas City wall, what kind of strategy did you have in mind on that free kick?
MR: It was one of the things that I always do. It was just too close so it can go over the wall or otherwise it would be out. I tried to do it like this and keep it away from the keeper. He almost got it, so I'm happy that it was a goal.
RNO: You're 35 year-old, how long do you think you can continue to play?
MR: I think two more years. I feel really really good, I'm training in the best levels that I can. I'm looking forward to keep on moving and growing.
RNO: How nice is it to only have to play one match on the BC Place turf this season?
MR: (Laughs) Yeah, I will enjoy it, I'm use to it. I'm use to playing on turf, so it will be nice.
RNO: Whitecaps players have said, it's going strange seeing you on the other team, what do you think it will feel like for you playing against Vancouver?
MR: Yeah, I'll be excited and also a little bit nostalgic to play against my old teammates. I love them and I wish them the best. We are friends and with this team they treat me really really well. I think it will be special and I'm happy to be back here.
Thank You very much Mauro Rosales and FC Dallas.
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