LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International men's and women's soccer may be in its offseason, but it is finding support from world-class footballers across the globe. Rogelio Funes Mori, Argentine international and striker for S.L. Benfica of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, was photographed wearing an official TAMIU Dustdevils Soccer shirt on Tuesday.
The forward was born in Mendoza, Argentina, but lived in the Dallas area since 2001. He attended Arlington High School and was briefly recruited by Dustdevils head coach Claudio Arias before electing to play professional soccer, eventually getting his start at FC Dallas of Major League Soccer in 2008.
Within a year of becoming a professional, Funes Mori was bought by River Plate – one of the most famous South American clubs in the world. He stayed at the Argentinian club until 2013, when he joined Benfica – a European powerhouse that frequents the UEFA Champions League and Europa Cup.
Benfica championed the Primeira Liga for its 33rd title on Monday with a 2-0 victory over Olhanense. It was the 11th consecutive time Benfica won the league. A reported 500,000 fans celebrated in Lisbon, Portugal, after the crowning.
Internationally, Funes Mori has earned a combined 13 caps for the Argentina Under-20 team and the senior national team since 2011.
The Dustdevils boast a similar recent winning tradition, having seen the men win their third Heartland Conference championship in four years.
A quest for the men's fourth crown in five years begins on Sept. 9 with a time, opponent and site to be determined. The women will kick off their season on Sept. 2 with a time, opponent and site to be determined.
