KANSAS CITY, Kansas.- If Cristian Roldan had his way, his brother Alex would be lining up alongside him draped in the Red, White, and Blue of the United States in this year's Concacaf Gold Cup. Yet, with no U.S. call-up in the cards, Alex Roldan accepted an invite to the El Salvador national team to the tournament.
Although Cristian is slightly disappointed he couldn't play with his brother for the U.S. in the same way he does for the Seattle Sounders, he is proud to see Alex on the international stage.
"It's a bit bittersweet," said Cristian in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com. "I would have loved to see him play here, but it is sweet because he's able to play for a different country that he's able to represent and also play his part."
Alex has certainly made an impact since his arrival with La Selecta. In his national team debut, El Salvador's Gold Cup opener against Guatemala, Roldan scored what would be the game-winner with a stunning rocket from just outside of the box in the 81st minute.
He would then proceed to celebrate by jumping up and pounding his fist in the air. Although both brothers would've enjoyed playing for the same national team, Alex is proud to represent his mother's home country.
"I'm proud of where my mother comes from and where she grew up," said Alex to Concacaf.com. "So to be able to represent the country is another special feeling to have."
With Roldan in the mix, El Salvador has been a pleasant surprise in the Gold Cup. The team currently sits above Mexico in Group A, winning its first two matches.
"I came here to give my best and help the team, so I'm sure they [El Salvador] appreciate the reasons why I [joined the team]," said Roldan.
While Roldan acknowledges his American heritage as someone who grew up in California, he is appreciative of how his Salvadoran teammates have welcomed him. He also is familiar with some of the cultural aspects of the Central American country. Yes, that does mean he loves Pupusas.
"I used to go visit El Salvador when I was younger and see family," said Roldan. "I have a pretty solid understanding of the culture. I love eating their food and their people are great...I think I'm pretty much assimilated into that culture."
Cristian has also gotten off to an inspired start at the Gold Cup. The older of the two brothers dropped a beautiful assist to Daryl Dike in the U.S.’s assured 6-1 victory against Martinique. Despite many squad changes since the U.S.'s dramatic win over Mexico in the 2021 Nations League Final, the Yanks have also gotten off to a perfect start in the Gold Cup.
"We want to get better, each and every game," said Cristian. "We have a young and inexperienced group. The more we can get these guys to play in real international games, it's important. Day by day, game by game, we will get better."
With both brothers shining in the tournament, is there a country favorite in the Roldan family? Neither would shed much light on the subject, but some of their responses were intriguing.
"Alex will tell you that my parents think I'm the favorite," Cristian said with a laugh. "But in all seriousness, they are truly proud. They want to make every game possible...They don't want to take any moment for granted."
"They would love an El Salvador-U.S. final."
Alex added, " I don't know if I will be able to answer that, that will be more towards them. But they are both equally invested in wanting to see us succeed. As far as favoritism, I'll leave that one up in the air."
In addition to being club teammates, Alex and Cristian Roldan share a home together in Seattle. While some siblings in sports tend to keep their distance while being rivals in the same tournament, the Roldans have kept in close contact throughout the Gold Cup. The two men Facetime each other every day and discuss how things are going for their national teams.
"It's strange not being together at the moment," said Cristian. "In all seriousness, I couldn't more happy or excited for him moving forward."
With the Roldan family hoping for a U.S.-El Salvador final, Cristian would love to see that scenario.
"To win a trophy would be really special. To beat my brother is something we would never dream of as a kid," Cristian said. "We competed as kids and the competition continues."
Alex believes he would have the edge against his brother if that were the case.
"It would be an unbelievable story...Facing each other in this level would be something that you could only write in a story,” said Alex.
He then recalled backyard one-v-ones and concluded, "That's me easily [who won those battles]. You can tell him that, too."
