NYCFC announced that the club will play a post-season friendly against the Puerto Rican national team on December 11 at the Estadio Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón.
The 22,000-capacity stadium will no doubt be filled to the brim – fans are already beyond excited for a chance to see the likes of David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard live in action. The club also boasts young talent like Mix Diskerud and former Puerto Rican international goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
Eric Labrador, President of the FPF, had the following to say upon releasing the big news: “It is a great opportunity for our Puerto Rican National Team to face at home, a Club with players of such magnitude and recognition. In addition, it’s a great opportunity for our fans to enjoy the play of the most decorated international trio in MLS history.”
The Puerto Rican squad currently has eight players competing in U.S.-based leagues with teams from the United Soccer League and North American Soccer League. With Carmelo Anthony’s love for NYCFC, Puerto Rico Football Club, and now the addition of this star-studded international friendly, hype surrounding fútbol in Puerto Rico is bound to surge for the foreseeable future.