Former Thunderduck All-American Returns to Dallas for Copa America
DALLAS – Former Dallas College Richland All-American Adrian Jusino made a return to the Dallas Metroplex with the Bolivian National Team Sunday in the Copa America opener against the United States at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
A National Junior College Athletic Association Division III All-American defender in 2013 with the Thunderducks, Jusino spent one year at Richland before making his way to Bolivia to play for a Second Division team. He eventually won a First Division title with Bolivar in 2019, and last year was a member of The Strongest, another First Division club in Bolivia which won the 2023 Primera Division Championship.
"I think it's a great opportunity to come back to where it started," said Richland head coach Raul Herrera, who attended the game at AT&T Stadium. "I think it's just another accomplishment in his career. It's kind of come full circle."
Jusino was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. His mother, who has Bolivian roots, wanted him to get an education in America. On a trip to Dallas for a soccer tournament, he was introduced to Richland, where eventually the coaches brought him in for a year. Richland advanced to the national semifinals in his one year with the Thunderducks, which went 11-5 that season.
"He was outstanding," Herrera said. "Very professional in taking care of himself on and off the field. He was a great leader."
Bolivia fell 2-0 to the USA in the Copa America opener in Group C. Bolivia will play Uruguay Thursday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
"He's played against a lot of the best players in the world," Herrera said. "We were a little lucky (to get him.)"