Rosales Relishing Pro Opportunity With Orlando City B
By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA, MAY 28, 2020 –
Jonathan Rosales has taken a special path to pro soccer that's led him right back home.
Following a productive collegiate career with USF, the Kissimmee, Fla., native only has to make a short commute to continue preparing for his debut season in USL League One with Orlando City B.
Prior to joining the Bulls, Rosales basically grew up in the MLS organization's academy system as a member of Orlando City's U-16 and U-18 squads.
"For me, it was just a blessing that once I got out of college, I was able to come right back to the club," he said. "With my family here, it's like a win-win for me."
Prior to the pros, loved ones didn't have to travel far to watch Rosales' USF home games at Corbett Stadium. The defender racked up 47 starts the past three seasons while reaping the rewards of the Bulls' always tough schedule.
On top of facing a defending national champion - No. 1 Maryland in 2019 - Rosales constantly competed against top-25 opponents throughout regular seasons. Nerves weren't a problem during those battles because the Bulls' tradition of taking on pro teams from the MLS, USL and overseas in exhibitions each spring under head coach
Bob Butehorn.
"Mentally, I feel like I've grown tremendously compared to when I was younger," he said. "I think that's probably the best thing you can do. The physical stuff you can get down pretty quick. (USF) helped me build character."
As a Bull, Rosales also benefited from a busy schedule as a student-athlete and success resulted in a marketing degree this past fall semester.
"You learn so much about time management skills and people skills," he said. "You just learn a lot of new things you wouldn't without going to college."
Throughout his four-year run with USF (2016-19), Rosales kept his eyes on the prize of a playing professionally while training at Orlando City's facility each summer. By his senior year, the club was keeping a close eye on his game and a USL League One opportunity was in the works soon after the 2019 campaign.
Ironically, Rosales got a USF reunion of sorts soon after officially starting his pro career in February. Orlando City B began its preseason with an exhibition test against the Bulls that resulted in a 1-1 tie.
"It was nice to play against the guys I used to play with and train with," he said. "It was more like a joy than a game."
Soccer bliss for Rosales this year also has included a trip overseas to showcase his game with El Salvador's U-23 Olympic qualifying squad.
"That was good experience to go see another country and go see the level of play," he said.
Things sure looked promising for his playing prospects with El Salvador before the pandemic put the Olympics – and soccer competition in the United States – on pause in March.
Recently, Rosales has been happy to sharpen his skills not far from his home at Orlando City headquarters. Although team activities aren't in play yet, non-contact training is allowed in small groups.
Rosales said Orlando City has been very thorough with sanitation and safety measures during a "fantastic" time to train.
"I feel better than what I felt than before this happened," he said. "I've lost so much fat and I've gained so much muscle throughout this whole quarantine. It's been good. I feel so focused right now and so healthy."
Whether games are in the near future or not, hard-working Rosales he doesn't plan on stopping his all-out soccer approach.
"I've always been the dude who gets my job done and I work maybe twice or three times as hard as other people do," he said. "It's not just during training or on the field, it's outside of everything. I think that's what's helped get me where I'm at."
Once USL League One play is a go, Rosales will be primed to keep chasing his goal of eventually suiting up for Orlando City's top team.
"One good year could just allow me to be in the MLS," he said.
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