Talent and goals that caught the attention
His talent and goals captivated the view of the president of Independiente Santa Fe, Cesar Pastrana, and the coach Wilson Gutierrez, who did not hesitate for a moment to bring Dario Rodriguez to the professional team. The Bogotano had spent three years in the youth divisions, where he was the top scorer in the different tournaments he participated in, when he was promoted.
Fulfilling the dream of becoming a professional footballer
The dream of becoming a professional footballer came true. He made his debut with the Santa Fe jersey on December 1, 2013 against Aguilas Doradas in El Campin - a game in which he replaced Julian Guillermo and played the entire second half. To this day, he has played 30 matches in the Liga with the red team and has played 1071 minutes.
First goal and gaining the trust of the coach
He scored his first goal on March 25, 2015, in Santa Fe's 3-1 victory against Medellin in El Campin. Since then, he gained the trust of the then team's coach Gustavo Costas, who even replaced the captain and '10' Omar Perez with him on two occasions.
A chance to play in the Copa Libertadores
He had the opportunity to play in a Copa Libertadores match against Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, and although things did not go as desired, the young player continued forward. Talent is not lost in a game. But it was a wake-up call to push even harder.
New opportunities
Santa Fe said goodbye to both the Liga Aguila and the Libertadores in May, the team took a break and when they returned, they were surprised by the changes. A new coach, a demanding pre-season, concentration, double training sessions and for Dario, a change that could open the doors to the starting line-up.
Hard work pays off
"During the pre-season, we worked hard on the physical aspect, as well as on the technical and tactical aspects. The preparation matches have served us well, we won five, drew two and lost one. It was a great balance," said Dario Rodriguez.
A change in position
The coach Gerardo Pelusso anticipated the departure of Luis Carlos Arias and Daniel Torres from the squad (which happened, both joined DIM), and from the beginning of the pre-season, he started positioning the Bogotano as a left-sided midfielder, a very good alternative, which he not only managed in training but also in friendly matches.
An opportunity to prove himself
"Since coach Pelusso arrived, he placed me on the left side of the field. He liked my work, I had great matches in this area of the field. I am a player with a lot of sacrifice when it comes to defending and I think I have put it into practice in these matches, and the coach has liked my work in this position. It is a great opportunity for me to show what I am capable of," said the 20-year-old Bogotano.
Seizing the opportunity
Dario found the perfect opportunity to win the starting spot and so far he has been liked by the coaching staff. He was one of the main figures in the friendly matches that the club played against Equidad, Expreso Rojo, Deportes Tolima, and Atletico Huila. He projected himself forward, fulfilled defensive duties and looked for goal-scoring opportunities. Characteristics that could allow him to take Arias' place on the left wing.
Looking to strengthen the group
"We can greatly strengthen and enrich this group," Pelusso said. And even more so, club president Cesar Pastrana, "The coach tells me that Arias' place is covered, we have Luis Seijas, Dario Rodriguez, and even Luis Quiñones." The possibilities for the Bogotano to be a starter are high, he worked during the pre-season to position himself in this position and earn a place in the starting eleven of the Uruguayan coach.