Morgan’s Game Day with Leo Rodriguez

Former Kofa King Leo Rodriguez talks food and future soccer plans at Arizona Western

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - For Leo Rodriguez, food is about more than just what is on the plate. Some meals bring back memories, while others have become part of his pregame routine.

The former Kofa King joined KYMA Sports Director Morgan Feller for the sixth episode of “Morgan’s Game Day Grub,” where the two discussed everything from Rodriguez’s favorite foods to his habits as he prepares to continue his soccer career at Arizona Western College.

Rodriguez chose Brewers for the meal, a restaurant that holds a special place in his heart after celebrating a birthday there with his family following a soccer game against Cibola.

“I remember one time it was my birthday and I had a game, I think it was against Cibola actually,” Rodriguez said. “After that game I came with my family here and I had a good time.”

Rodriguez also proved he is willing to step outside his comfort zone when it comes to food. Despite never having tried Brussels sprouts before, he gave them a shot during the episode.

He said he enjoys foods with different textures and has developed a taste for more adventurous options, including octopus and other types of seafood.

As Rodriguez prepares to leave home for Arizona Western, however, there are some meals he already knows he will miss.

One of those is chilaquiles, a dish his family frequently makes at home.

“I like them a lot,” Rodriguez said. “I think that's such a home food that in my house they make a lot, so that's probably one of the things I will miss.”

Rodriguez said teammates have already told him there will be plenty of rice and chicken available at Arizona Western, but he expects he will eventually make a trip home for some of his favorite homemade meals.

While his food choices have become more intentional, Rodriguez recalled one pregame decision that did not go according to plan.

When he was younger, he drank two Coca-Colas before a Sunday league match. The soda left him feeling full, and he said he struggled during the game.

“I played really bad,” Rodriguez said. “And to be honest, it's rare when you're going to see me play bad, bad, bad.”

Rodriguez also has a few go-to snacks, including dried mango, dried bananas and nuts. But when it comes to his guilty pleasure, cereal is at the top of the list.

Rodriguez said he used to eat cereal as many as three times a day before cutting back to one serving a day.

As he prepares for the next chapter of his soccer career, Rodriguez will take his favorite foods and lessons from home with him to Arizona Western, while continuing to pursue his goals on the field.