USL Feature
Friday, April 1, 2011
PUERTO RICO UNITED
Coach: Charles Gatinho
2010 Season: Third, Group B, SuperCopa DirecTV
The Lowdown – Puerto Rico United had some difficulties last season, missing out on the knockout round of the SuperCopa DirecTV, but it appears the club has tried to rectify that with a number of offseason additions to its squad, including some from its USL PRO rivals on the island.
Key Departures – United lost one of its Brazilian players in forward Gilmar Peter, who made the move to PRSL rival Mayaguez during the offseason. The club does still have a number of Brazilian players in its squad, however, with Edivaldo da Silva, Jr. leading the way.
Key Additions – Andres Cabrero arrives from River Plate Puerto Rico to try and shore up United’s midfield, and he is joined by young Puerto Rican international Hector Ramos, who despite being just 20, he turns 21 in May, has already made five appearances for his national team.
Also joining the club are the Turizo brothers, Christian and Mauricio. From Columbia, both previously have experience playing in Puerto Rico as members of the Gigantes de Carolina.
If it all goes to plan – With what appears to be a large roster turnover since last season’s disappointments, PR United will try to find chemistry as quickly as they can to keep up with their island rivals River Plate and Sevilla. However, this is probably going to be a season of development, with the playoffs a goal for the future.