Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez gets pro soccer chance with USL's Locomotive FC

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Cristo Fernández, the actor who played Dani Rojas on the Apple TV series 'Ted Lasso', is getting a chance to pursue his professional soccer dreams. Fernández is on an informal tryout with the USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC and appeared in their preseason match over the weekend. The 35-year-old actor has a background in youth soccer in Mexico before turning to acting, and this is not the first time he's trained with a professional team, having spent time with Chicago Fire II earlier this year.

Why it matters

Fernández's tryout with Locomotive FC represents an opportunity for the actor to potentially transition from his breakout role on 'Ted Lasso' to a real-life professional soccer career, fulfilling a lifelong dream. It also highlights the crossover between acting and sports, as well as the growing popularity of the USL Championship league.

The details

Fernández played 30 minutes in El Paso's preseason win over New Mexico and was seen celebrating with his new teammates in a social media post. He trained with the club on Tuesday and will remain with the Locomotive into next week, at which point the team will decide on his future. Locomotive FC declined to discuss Fernández's status, citing USL rules that prevent the club from making him available to the media until he signs a contract.

• Fernández played 30 minutes in Locomotive FC's preseason match over the weekend.
• Fernández trained with Locomotive FC on Tuesday and will remain with the team into next week.

What’s next

Locomotive FC will decide on Fernández's future with the team next week.