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A rising star in the top professional league in his home country of Honduras, Jose Escalate has made the move to America, where he has his sights set on a great first season with the Toros, and eventually getting a shot on the first team with the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo organization have had success with Hondurans in the past, currently Boniek Garcia, and previously Luis Garrido(get well soon).I was able to get to know Jose a bit and see how he's liking America so far.
Q: What made you decide to come to America and join RGVFC?
Jose: My agent and club in Honduras communicated with Houston Dynamo managers Nick Kowba and Matt Jordan, they where interested in me. I am enjoying this new project and gets me excited to know I have the opportunity to be ascended to the first team.
Q: Are you excited to be playing in the same organization as fellow Honduran, Boniek Garcia?
Jose: Yes! We talked before I came and he told me I had to take good advantage of this new opportunity with the Toros, so I could ascend to Houston Dynamo next.
Q: Have you enjoyed your time in the United States so far?
Jose: I haven't had that much time to enjoy the city now. The few off days that I get, I use them to rest.
Q: What is the weirdest thing you've seen since you came to America?
Jose: From this country I like it all. So far I have not seen anything that displeases me.
Q: Do you enjoy spending time with your Toros' teammates?
Jose: I'm having a hard time communicating with them because of the language, but with the ones who speak Spanish, I get to spend more time, we even play FIFA after training.
Q: How would you describe your play style? What professional is it similar to?
Jose: Technical and fast, I like to approach my opponents and dribble. Angel Di Maria, I watch his games very often and learn as much I can about him.
Q: Have any nicknames?
Jose: Yes, in my club and national team they always called me "Pepe" or "Fideo" because of Di Maria.
Q: Do you have a favorite American singer?
Jose: I don't know much about music in English, but in the dressing room with my teammates we listen to Drake and Chris Brown a lot.
Q: How excited are you for your first match tomorrow?
Jose: I'm very excited for this season to begin, we did good preparation games and I'm sure we are going to make a good season.
Just a day away from kickoff in the 2016 USL season and for the RGVFC Toros franchise! Make sure to tune in as they take on Tulsa! See the match preview and where to watch HERE.