Cristo Fernández, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Dani Rojas in the popular comedy series "Ted Lasso," has made his professional soccer debut in the United States. Fernández, 35, signed a contract in May with El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer.
His first appearance for the team came Saturday evening against rivals New Mexico United in the final group stage match of the Prinx Tires USL Cup. Fernández entered the game as a substitute in the 79th minute, replacing Guatemalan forward Rubio Rubín with the score tied at 0-0. The role mirrored that of his character on the show, who plays a striker.
However, the substitution did not alter the game's outcome in El Paso's favor. Less than six minutes after Fernández joined the match, New Mexico United's Joseph Quiah scored the opening goal. Two minutes later, Fernández received a yellow card for a foul on the opposing goalkeeper. The opposing team then secured their second goal, ultimately winning the match 2-0. This result ended El Paso Locomotive's chances of advancing from Group 2 of the tournament.
Fernández has a history with the sport, having previously trained with Mexican side Tecos and played professionally as a teenager for Puerto Rican club Guayama. His nascent professional soccer career was curtailed by a knee injury, leading him to pursue acting, a path encouraged by his parents. His breakthrough role as Dani Rojas in "Ted Lasso" propelled him to wider recognition, with the series set to begin its fourth season in August.
