GUATEMALA CITY – In yet another milestone moment in the 2015-16 year for the FGCU men's soccer team, Rodrigo Saravia became the first player in program history to start for his home country in international competition as the 2015 Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year earned a spot in the Starting XI for Guatemala's 3-1 friendly victory over Honduras Wednesday night.
 
The former FGCU standout and 2016 First Round MLS SuperDraft selection was called up to the Guatemalan National Team shortly after signing his pro contract last month, and was the only foreign-based player on the club's 22-man roster for the friendly.
 
With Guatemala trailing 1-0 in the 17th minute, Saravia – who wore number 20 and controlled his usual middle of the pitch – set up what was nearly the game-tying goal. After receiving a pass at midfield, Saravia settled with his left foot, and with a charging defending approaching from his back, moved the ball to his right foot, spun and easily beat his attacker.
 
Following a few dribbles in space, Saravia sent a pass ahead and was fouled in the process, but the official played the advantage. However, the right-footed shot from his teammate from about 30 yards just sailed over the crossbar.
 
Video Of The Play
 
Saravia played all 90 minutes as he became just the second player in program history to earn an international cap and the first to play the entire match. Guatemala would go on to score three unanswered goals – including one just two minutes after Saravia's effort – to claim the victory.
 
"What a tremendous experience for Rodrigo," stated FGCU program-founding head coach Bob Butehorn, who was in attendance. "To have the opportunity to make his first full international appearance in his hometown is just an incredible feeling I know he – nor I – will never forget. It's also an extremely proud moment for our program as we continue to prove that we can produce top players who are now competing at the international level."
 
A native of Guatemala City, Saravia was called into the national team camp last summer. He was the lone collegiate and amateur player in the camp and spent most of the summer with the U-23 Guatemala National Team.
 
In January, Saravia became the first FGCU player and highest player in A-Sun history ever drafted when the Columbus Crew SC selected him with the 19th overall pick. Saravia could have the extremely unique opportunity of representing his home country on Crew SC's home field next month as Guatemala is set to face the United States in a World Cup qualifier at MAPFRE Stadium on Mar. 29.
 
In January of 2015, FGCU product and Canadian Daniel Stanese became the first former member of the program to earn a national team cap as part of an international friendly with Iceland. Stanese signed a professional contract in February of 2013 following his freshman season at FGCU, and entered as a late second-half substitute in the friendly – which was played at UCF.
 
Saravia was one of an incredible three players from FGCU's senior class to sign professional contracts last month. Nathan Ingham (Keswick, Ontario/Keswick HS) was named A-Sun Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015 and inked a deal with FC Edmonton of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Additionally, Aaron Guillen (El Paso, Texas/Coronado HS) was named A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and signed a professional contract with FC Dallas as a homegrown player.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-the minute information and a behind-the-scenes look at the FGCU men's soccer program, follow on Twitter @FGCU_MSoccer, Instagram @FGCU_MSoccer, Facebook /FGCUMSoccer and YouTube /FGCUAthletics.
 
COACH BUTEHORN
FGCU is led by Bob Butehorn, who has coached six professional players and 54 A-Sun All-Conference selections since FGCU started its program in 2007. In just five years of postseason eligibility, Butehorn has guided FGCU to three A-Sun Tournament championships and NCAA Tournament appearances – in 2011, 2012 and 2014 – and has won an unprecedented six-straight A-Sun regular-season championships. His teams have been ranked nationally on several occasions by multiple media outlets. Having completed his 13th season as a head coach, Butehorn has a 115-90-25 (.554) overall record, 81-58-21 (.572) mark in his nine seasons at FGCU and 48-17-6 (.718) record in A-Sun contests.
 
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.