SOUTH PORTLAND – A former soccer captain from South Portland High School was killed during combat in Iraq, officials said Thursday.

Marine Pfc. Angel Rosa, 21, died Tuesday from injuries suffered in combat in volatile Anbar province, according to the Defense Department.

Rosa, who graduated from South Portland High School in 2004, was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

His wife, Elise Rosa, told WCSH-TV that her husband joined the military to give his family a better life, and that it “breaks our hearts” that he gave his life to make things better for everybody else.

South Portland soccer coach John Shardlow remembered Rosa as a strong person who loved teaching younger children about soccer.

“He worked a lot with youth soccer,” Shardlow said. “He was very involved in the community. If he served his country like he did his community, I think it’s a tribute to the kind of kids we’re raising in this area.”

Gov. John Baldacci said flags would be flown at half-staff on the day of his funeral. Arrangements were pending.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of another young life. When his country called him, Private 1st Class Rosa answered. There’s not enough we can do to honor his sacrifice,” Baldacci said. “Our prayers go out to his family.”

Baldacci made condolence calls Thursday morning.

“His mother said her son was always the first into battle, was always leading from the front,” Baldacci said. “She also said the people of South Portland have opened their arms to her family and have been incredibly supportive.”

Members of Maine’s congressional delegation also offered expressions of sympathy to Rosa’s family.

“These are trying times and words cannot do justice to the honor with which Angel served his country and the sadness and loss his family now feels,” said 2nd District Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud.

Sen. Susan Collins praised Rosa’s courage, and fellow Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe said his heroism “will always be remembered by our country.”

Rep. Tom Allen, a Democrat who represents the 1st District where Rosa went to school, said in a statement, “As we grieve the loss of another brave member of our Armed Forces serving in Iraq, we reaffirm our steadfast support for the troops and our heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families have made on our behalf.”

Besides his wife, Rosa leaves behind his mother in South Portland, his father in Miami and a sister, who graduated from South Portland High in 2005.