By Rodrigo Marina
Texas A&M International University’s men’s soccer team is looking to bring some trophies to the school this season. The Dustdevils are aiming to improve from last year’s campaign, which saw six wins, eleven losses, and two ties.
With the help of their award winning forward, Ryan Hodgson, they are hoping to bring home the championship title for the 2016 campaign.
Hodgson is a native of Sunderland, England and while he may not be Laredo grown, he has definitely found a home with the Dustdevils. Hodgson’s first year as a Dustdevil was in 2013, where he had a stellar campaign playing in eighteen games, scoring eight goals, and recording three assists.
Hodgson won the Freshman of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards, while also being named to the All-Conference First Team, and the All-Region Second Team as he contributed to the team’s conference Championship for the 2013 season.
Hodgson’s freshman year performance had the conference buzzing to see what the Englishman would achieve during his second year for TAMIU. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Ryan’s second and third years saw little action on the field. However, this season is a new one for Hodgson and the Dustdevils as they prepare for the upcoming season.
“When you play any sport, you put your body and health at risk. Unfortunately for me, I had a recurring injury the past two seasons,” said Hodgson of his injuries. “Thanks to the wonderful training staff here at TAMIU, I’m 100 percent ready!”
When asked about his accolades, Hodgson replied, “Winning individual awards is great! It gives a player more confidence on his abilities, but individual awards are second to the team awards. I’m honored to be awarded, but we’re working for a championship and we’re going to achieve this as a team.”
The senior goal-scorer just recently won another award, as he was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Week for the Week one, of competition. Ryan scored three goals in two games during the Dustdevils’ trip to Colorado at the beginning of the season. Hodgson stated, “I feel good! I feel my level of play is improving every day. I’m working hard to get better!”
Hodgson concluded by inviting everyone to attend the Dustdevil’s home games during this season.
“Everyone should come out to the games! It’d be awesome to see everyone there! We play for TAMIU and even if the crowd isn’t on the pitch, they are a member of the team as well! We need everyone out there with us!”
