Puerto Rico international Hector Ramos (blue jersey), shown playing for Isidro Metapan against the LA Galaxy in a 2013-14 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League game, is hoping to play for FC Dallas in 2016. (Photo: German Alegria)
FRISCO, Texas – Puerto Rico international Hector Ramos is hopeful of earning a roster spot with FC Dallas and, if he does, making a return to the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
The 25-year-old forward is currently on trial with the Major League Soccer side, optimistic that his intriguing club career will take him to a third country in a year.
“The truth is that everything is going well,” said Ramos in an exclusive interview with CONCACAF.com. “I am very happy with the opportunity that coach Oscar Pareja gave me and hopefully someday here soon I will be able to join this team. He has spoken to me about my work, but nothing concrete. The team is looking for a forward with my characteristics more or less and I am trying to meet their expectations.”
Ramos played two league games with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadisiyah in 2015, following a very successful two-year stint at Isidro Metapan. With the Salvadoran power, he and Panama international Nicolas Muñoz formed a lethal partnership up front and won multiple titles.
“I have very nice memories, unforgettable things with Nicolas Muñoz, a great Panamanian forward,” Ramos expressed. “We did great things there and were able to bring much joy to the Metapan fans.”
With FC Dallas already qualified for the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, Ramos asserted it would be a dream come true to play once again in the competition. He has four career SCCL goals, two with both Isidro Metapan and the Puerto Rico Islanders.
“If the coach decides that I’m on the team, I have the opportunity to play the Champions League. It would be great,” stressed Ramos, whose two SCCL goals with the Islanders were scored against Metapan. “It is always special to play that tournament. It is seen by people around all the countries and hopefully it happens soon.”
Regardless of how his club situation is resolved, Ramos is optimistic about the future of Puerto Rican football, especially that of the national team.
“We just played a friendly against New York City FC and we did a very good job with a very young national team,” he finished. “We have many young players that are growing and play good football, so little by little it is growing.”
