A native of Chile, Rodrigo Rios moved to Austin FC from Atlanta United where he was part of the coaching staff with Atlanta United’s Academy from 2016, Head Coach of the Atlanta United U19 team from 2017 -2020, as well as playing a supporting role with Gerardo Matino’s first team from 2017 – 2018. Rios, a Sports Business Administration graduate of Universidad Mayor in Chile (2004), enjoyed a long playing career, starting as a protégée in the academy at renowned Chilean club Universidad Católica under Manuel Pellegrini, making appearances for his national team at the U20 and U23 levels.
Rios moved to Atlanta in 2005 to play for the United Soccer League’s (USL) Atlanta Silverbacks (2005-2008) and went on to become the club’s Director of Soccer in 2010 when it entered the North American Soccer League (NASL). In addition, he coached youth soccer at Norcross Soccer Academy and continued with the United Football Academy. He was awarded "Coach of the year" for the state of Georgia in 2013 and holds both USSF A and B licenses, gained in 2013 and 2012 respectively.
