How it all came to be...
Jordan Cila has come a long way from the first time he set foot on the field. "I used to cry on the field," he said. "I was so scared." Of course that was when Cila first began playing soccer at four years old. Inspired by his father, he grew to love the game and started playing seriously around age 9. Cila's father played professionally for various clubs including Corinthians and Atlético Madrid. It was when he came to the U.S. to play for the New York Arrows that he met his wife and, soon after, the young soccer star named Jordan was born.
Cila quickly progressed, playing for Jericho High School in Long Island, New York his sophomore and junior years. He went on to represent the U.S. playing for U-17 and U-20 national teams and played in the 1999 World Youth Championships in New Zealand where the U.S. finished in fourth place. His college success began at Duke in 2000 when he scored 13 goals tying him for second on Duke's all-time freshman scoring list and made him a second team All-ACC selection. In 2001, Jordan started all of the 16 matches he played and was again a second team All-ACC selection. Cila started in all 20 of Duke's games in 2002 leading the team with 22 points and 10 assists.
While finishing his degree at Duke, Cila made his MLS debut in 2004 with the Colorado Rapids. He recorded his first two MLS goals in the Rapids' 3-2 victory over the MetroStars on June 30 of that year. One of those goals left Cila as the MLS Man of the Match for his game winning point in the 89th minute. He finished his degree, graduated with honors, and was traded to RSL from the Colorado Rapids in February 2005. Cila notched 3 goals, 1 assist for RSL during the inaugural season and started in eight of the 12 games he played.
Playing professional soccer has almost always been a goal for Cila. In fact when he was asked at his fifth-grade graduation what he was going to be when he grew up, he replied, "I'm going to be a soccer player - and then a lawyer." With one down and one to go, Cila still plans on going to law school someday.
Coach Ellinger's Call...
"Jordan is somebody that has a striker and an attacker midfielder personality. He has several roles that he can play. Primarily as a second forward where he is most comfortable, but he can also play a striker where we can play balls at his feet and he can hold the ball and lay balls off. Jordan is a very good finisher. I think somewhat the still has a lot of room for growth and development and will eventually be a starter a starter in the league."
Field Vision: Defender Seth Trembly says...
"I have known Jordan for a long time and I have played with him for a long time. He is a forward that has always proven himself with goals. He's great at holding the ball and passing the ball. He's great at bringing other players into the game and creating chances and opportunities for his teammates. Off the field, he gives great advice. He went to Duke so you know he is a very intelligent guy. He's like Dr. Phil. I always go to him for advice."
Things you need to know...
Family:
Brother, 21, and sister, 8
Nickname:
George
Favorite athlete:
Steve Nash
Charities/Causes:
Ambassador for Mary Kay Huntsman's Power in Youth Foundation
Hobbies:
Sudoku puzzles
Most memorable moment:
Playing high school varsity soccer with his brother
Greatest accomplishment:
Graduating College while still being able to play professional soccer
Favorite music:
Slow love songs
Favorite movie:
An American Tale
Favorite food:
Dad's Brazilian cooking
Favorite book:
Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Favorite TV show:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
