After his third consecutive start on Sunday at LAFC, Alex Roldan playing alongside his older brother is no longer a storyline. Each week, he is proving himself as a valuable asset in the club’s crowded midfield. The shadow of his star older brother is shrinking by the minute.
“Alex is a very good player,” said Cristian Roldan after the tough 1-0 loss. “I don’t think he is on this team because he is my brother. I think he is a very good professional. He is a very good player and a very good brother to me. He just wants to compete.”
This time around, the storyline was more about the Roldans in the seats than the ones on the pitch. Ana and Cesar Roldan live in the L.A. suburb of Pico Rivera, just 15 miles east of Banc of California Stadium.
After playing alongside each other in Seattle, Dallas, Kansas City and even El Salvador, the Roldan brothers – dubbed the “Broldans” on social media – played in their hometown for the first time, and their parents were there to see it.
The parents nailed the outfit selection, too, by showing love to each of their sons’ colleges.
Cesar wore a Sounders jersey with a Seattle University jacket and University of Washington hat, while Ana sported a Sounders jersey with a Seattle University hat and University of Washington scarf. They were featured on the FS1 national broadcast during the first half.
Cristian described the homecoming as “emotional.” While Ana and Cesar are often in Seattle to watch home matches, playing in Southern California was undoubtedly special.