Golden Boot winner De Rosario looking to inspire young Canadians

After receiving the 2011 MLS Golden Boot award as the league’s top goal scorer, Dwayne De Rosario is hoping that his achievements on the pitch might inspire the next generation of Canadian football talent.



“I hope that my accomplishments might be inspiring for kids who are hoping to be national team players,” De Rosario said on a conference call with the Canadian media.



De Rosario scored 16 goals during a tumultuous 2011 MLS season that saw him spend time with three different league clubs: Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.



“There was a lot to deal with this season,” De Rosario said. “The relocations and learning to work with different players was something that I had to overcome.”



The veteran Canadian attacker hopes that his ability to overcome adversity in his footballing career might encourage young immigrants to Canada, who like his family, have arrived in the country with a passion for the game.



“Especially as a first generation immigrant whose parents left Guyana to move to Canada, I hope that my accomplishments might be inspiring for other immigrant as well.



“I hope this shows them that they can become someone as well if they work hard to achieve their goals.”



It is conceivable that De Rosario might achieve three separate personal milestones by the time his 2011 season is finished.



Having already been awarded the MLS Golden Boot, De Rosario is also in contention to be named MVP of the North American league.



De Rosario is also only one goal shy of matching Dale Mitchell as Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer.



“I’m very proud of the position I’m in right now, to have received the Golden Boot and be up for a possible MVP award. If I could accomplish the Canadian scoring title that would be huge for me.”



The Scarborough, ON native will next take to the pitch on 11 November when Canada pays a visit to St. Kitts and Nevis in an all-important FIFA World Cup™ Qualifier. The two teams will then square off in the return fixture in Toronto on 15 November at BMO Field (19.00 local kick-off).



Canada needs only one point from the two upcoming games to secure an entrance into CONCACAF Round 3 of FIFA World Cup™ qualifying.



“I think it’s important to get the business done in these next games,” De Rosario said. “We can’t look past St. Kitts and Nevis, they are a team that is also in a strong position.”



Tickets to the 15 November match are available via Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.ca or 1-855-985-5000. Special group rates for the match are also available; please contact marketing@soccercan.ca for details.