WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Following the University of Hartford men's soccer team's attempt at its 2011 season opener this past Saturday, senior Jorge Rodriguez, an America East All-Rookie Team selection, was called by Puerto Rico to join the men's senior National Team in a pair of matches next week.

“The Hartford family is very excited for Jorge,” remarked head coach Tom Poitras. “This is a great opportunity for him to represent his heritage and the University of Hartford on an international stage.”

Following two days of training camp, Rodriguez and the Puerto Rican National Team will face St. Kitts and Nevis on Friday, September 2 before taking on Canada on Tuesday, September 6. The two matches are part of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, which is the qualifying regional tournament for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

In Tuesday's qualifying game against Canada, Rodriguez will be pitted against Tosaint Ricketts, a former standout men's soccer player at UW-Green Bay, on the pitch. Ricketts was a member of the Phoenix from 2005-08 where he spent four years under Poitras' tutelage. The striker became the first Green Bay soccer alum to be named to a full national team roster when he was called up to represent Canada's national team in 2009.

Rodriguez, a three-year starter on the Hawks' back line, has helped the defense post 16 shutouts during his tenure at Hartford. Last year, the East Hartford, Conn. native assisted on three goals, a team-best. This is Rodriguez' second stint with Puerto Rico's National Team as he was named to the U-21 National Team official tryout in Salinas and was later selected to the team's pool.