HERRIMAN, Utah — At just 17 years old, Diego Rocío is charting a rapid ascent through the U.S. youth soccer ranks. Recently, the San Diego-born forward officially transferred his homegrown rights to Real Salt Lake and signed with the Monarchs (Real Salt Lake’s MLS NEXT Pro team), cementing a multi-year deal that places him in the RSL organization with eyes on the future.
Roots and Academy Journey
- Hometown: Rocío is from Escondido, California, born September 5, 2007.
- Early Academy: He developed in the Philadelphia Union Academy, where he stood out in youth competitions.
- Dual Citizenship / International Experience: He holds both U.S. and Mexican citizenship, and has been involved in youth national team setups for both countries. Most recently, he’s played for Mexico’s U-18 squad.
Performance & Style: What He Brings
Rocío has shown strong performances in youth tournaments, scoring tons of important goals and making plays under pressure. Some highlights:
- In the 2024 U17 Generation adidas Cup, he was named Most Valuable Player while leading Philadelphia Union to the title. He scored five goals in the knockout rounds, including braces vs. tough teams like Hajduk Split and Flamengo. He also scored in the final vs. LA Galaxy and converted a penalty in the shootout to help secure the win.
- He also earned selection to the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star team.
In terms of playing style:
- Position: Primarily a forward, capable of playing on the wing (especially on the right) or in more central attacking roles.
- Strengths: Speed, big play ability, composure in attack. He has also shown he can finish under pressure (shootouts, knockout rounds), make runs, and beat defenders in transition. His crossing, passing, and awareness in the final third are also well-noted.
Recent Matches / Debut with Monarchs & Current Status
- Rocío has made early appearances for Real Monarchs. He started in a comeback win (2-1) vs. Tacoma Defiance.
- In RSL Academy play, he scored a penalty in a match against his former club, Philadelphia Union, helping his team reach the semifinals of the MLS NEXT Cup.
- Despite still being young, he is already on the radar for international duty: as a member of Mexico’s U-18 team, he traveled with them to Spain for matches vs. Barakaldo CF and Real Sociedad, among others.
What Goals Lay Ahead
Looking forward, Rocío has several goals (both in terms of achievements and development) that seem realistic and important for his career:
- Establish himself in MLS NEXT Pro — Consistent starts, goal contributions (goals + assists), and showing reliability against older, stronger competition.
- Earn MLS team minutes — With his contract kicking in for Real Salt Lake in 2026, he’ll be aiming to break into the first team, whether via training camp, cup competitions, or as a substitute.
- Continue international exposure — More caps at the U-18 or younger levels, possibly U-20, to increase experience and visibility.
- Refine areas for growth — Work on decision-making, physical strength (to deal with more aggressive defenders), consistency, and tactical versatility (playing across multiple attacking roles).
- Be a contributor in big games — Knockout tournaments, playoffs, key rivalry matches — games that test mental toughness as much as skill.
Significance of the Move to Real Salt Lake
- The switch is significant not just for Rocío but for RSL too: it reflects the club’s commitment to acquiring and developing young talent, even borrowing from elsewhere, as well as their trust in MLS NEXT Pro and the academy pathway.
- For Rocío, moving to a club like RSL opens up opportunities: good coaching, infrastructure, exposure to competitive matches, and proximity to senior team facilities — all of which can help him make the leap to higher levels.
In sum, Diego Rocío is a young forward with already impressive credentials, tournament wins, and big-play moments. His transfer to Real Salt Lake / Real Monarchs gives him an opportunity to turn youth potential into professional consistency. With good performances, more international experience, and time, he looks like one of the names to watch in U.S. and Mexican youth soccer over the next few years.
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