Hector Ramos Eyes Big Impact For Puerto Rico FC On And Off Field

Photo credit: Puerto Rico FC

Puerto Rico FC’s addition to the NASL offers players from the island a route to a professional soccer career. But the Carmelo Anthony-owned club is set to have a big impact off the field, too.

“It’s not just important for the national team, but for the entire island of Puerto Rico and soccer in Puerto Rico,” Hector Ramos told NASL.com. “Kids now have something to aspire to. They’ll want to come to the big time that is going to be Puerto Rico FC.”

Ramos is no stranger to the NASL, having played for the Puerto Rico Islanders in 2011-12. The island’s newest professional side has no ties to the earlier club. It will, however, be like coming full circle for Ramos, 26, who worked under Puerto Rico FC coach Adrian Whitbread in the past.

“I’m really happy to be coming back to Puerto Rico,” he said. “It’s where my family is, so that’s something important to me. I’m even happier that I’m reuniting with Adrian and the training staff I’ve worked with before. I’m full of joy.”

His earlier relationship with the coaching staff and playing in the league doesn’t thrust Ramos into a leadership role.

He said: “I don’t see it that way. I’m just here to work. I’m on the same level as all of my teammates. I’m here to follow what my coach says. I don’t see myself as a leader, just as one of the guys.”

Ramos has been in good form heading into Puerto Rico FC’s debut season, which kicks off on Saturday, July 2. He scored six times in 13 games with CD Águila in El Salvador and scored four goals in the second round of Caribbean Cup qualification for the Puerto Rican national team.

He will now try to notch a special goal in Puerto Rico FC history.

“I hope that I can score the first goal,” he said. “It’d be such a joy for me, my family, and the island.”

He will get his first crack against Spring Season Champion Indy Eleven at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in the club’s first official league game to kick off the Fall Season.