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Puerto Rico national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Puerto Rico women's national football team.

Puerto Rico
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)El Huracán Azul
(The Blue Hurricane)
Los Boricuas
(The Boricuas)
AssociationFederación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol
ConfederationCONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederationCFU (Caribbean)
Head coachDave Sarachan
CaptainRicardo Rivera
Most capsHéctor Ramos (36)
Top scorerHéctor Ramos (18)
Home stadiumEstadio Centroamericano
FIFA codePUR
First colors
Second colors
FIFA ranking
Current 156 Increase 4 (20 June 2024)[1]
Highest97 (March 1994)
Lowest202 (November 2004)
First international
 Cuba 1–1 Puerto Rico 
(Havana, Cuba; 12 November 1940)
Biggest win
 Puerto Rico 9–0 Saint Martin 
(Port-au-Prince, Haiti; 9 September 2012)
Biggest defeat
 Netherlands Antilles 15–0 Puerto Rico 
(Caracas, Venezuela; 15 January 1959)

The Puerto Rico national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Puerto Rico) represents Puerto Rico in men's international football, and are governed by the Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol (FPF). The team's nickname is El Huracán Azul meaning The Blue Hurricane.[3] They are members of the Caribbean Football Union, and part of CONCACAF. The team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup or the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

History

1940–1990

Puerto Rico's first international match was against Cuba in 1940 in which they drew 1–1. They did not record a win until a 3–0 result in 1970 against the Bahamas. In 1972, Puerto Rico recorded a 1–0 win against Panama in a friendly. Wins between the 1980s and 1990s were mainly against the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Martinique.[4]

Chris Armas years (1993–1994)

Chris Armas played for Puerto Rico in the 1993 Caribbean Cup. In the tournament, Puerto Rico established a 4-game win streak without conceding a goal.[4] The competition was not then recognized by FIFA, and so his five matches were considered friendlies. As a result, he was later allowed to switch his allegiance to the United States,[5] for whom he has since been capped over 50 times.[citation needed]

1995–2007

Between 1995 and 2007 Puerto Rico did not record a win, and had only four draws. During this time, the team dropped down in the FIFA Rankings to 202nd.[4]

2008–2015

Puerto Rico (in blue) playing Spain in 2012.

Over the past few years, Puerto Rico has begun to emerge as a contender, like they were in the 1990s. In 2008, they won two games as visitors against Bermuda (1–0 and 2–0), drew 2–2 with Trinidad and Tobago. They also won for the first time since 1994 when they beat the Dominican Republic in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers. Although they lost the first leg 4–0 to Honduras, they fought a 2–2 tie in the home leg in the second round. The Puerto Rican Football Federation has announced plans that would allow them to participate in the next editions of the Caribbean Cup and Gold Cup.[6] Most capped player Andres Cabrero is the only active player as of 2021 who participated in said 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Puerto Rico was supposed to make their debut in the 21st Central American and Caribbean Games in 2010 on home soil in Mayagüez, but due to the controversy of CONCACAF not approving the stadiums, the team couldn't compete in the football event. The team was supposed to play in Venezuela instead but due to the lack of teams, the male event was canceled.[7]

Puerto Rico faced World and European champion Spain in a friendly on 15 August 2012, losing 2–1 in the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

On 5 June 2015, Puerto Rico played a friendly against Bermuda, their last friendly before the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup ending in a 1–1 draw. After losing to Grenada 2–1 in the second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Puerto Rico's Interim coach Jose 'Cukito' Martinez resigned and a few days later, the Uruguayan Carlos Avedissian solved his visa problems and could finally arrive as the head coach of the national team. On 11 December 2015, Puerto Rico played a friendly against MLS team New York City, losing 2–1.

2016–2017

Carlos Avedissian / Jack Stefanowski era

Carlos Avedissian took charge of the team in 2015 forming a roster mainly of players from the Puerto Rico local leagues. On 22 May 2016, Puerto Rico played a friendly match against the United States for the first time ever ending in a 3–1 loss.[8] For discrepancies with the Federation, Avedissian was substituted by Jack Stefanowski for the second round on an interim basis. With this team mainly of local players, Puerto Rico advanced for the first time to the third round of the 2017 Caribbean Cup qualification when they defeated Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda in the second round, only two games away from reaching the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time. Stefanowski had to leave the technical director position because he was an assistant for Puerto Rico FC.[citation needed]

On 3 September 2016, Puerto Rico faced India for the first time in an international friendly match at the Mumbai Football Arena, but were defeated in the contest 1–4.[9]

Carlos García Cantarero era

After Stefanowski left the team to continue with Puerto Rico FC, Carlos Cantarero assumed as head coach of the national team with Jose Cukito Martinez (who had coached most of the local players in the Puerto Rico League) as assistant coach. The team played three friendlies, two against the Dominican Republic and one against India, prior to the third round matches against Antigua and Barbuda and Curaçao. Coach Cantarero couldn't coach in the friendlies due to VISA problems. After the second friendly against the Dominican Republic Assistant Coach Martinez left the team prior to the trip to India and David Guillemat assumed the position. Regardless of the administrative debacle, and coaching changes, Puerto Rico lost the decisive match against Curaçao after being 2–0 up front for which Curaçao as head of group advanced to the Gold Cup.

Puerto Rico didn't play an international match until the summer of 2017 when they played to a scoreless draw against Indonesia.[10]

After the devastation of Hurricane Maria in September that left the entire island powerless. On 7 October it was reported MLS club, Orlando City SC announced a Fuerza Puerto Rico’ Friendly for 4 November with all the net proceeds from the match going towards the United for Puerto Rico initiative to raise funds and aid recovery efforts for the island. Reactivating the national team for a 3rd time this year.[11] The friendly marked Orlando City’s last game of 2017, as well team captain, Kaká with the lions.[12] Puerto Rico lost the exhibition match 6–1.[13]

2018

In May 2018, the Puerto Rican Football Federation announced that Carlos Cantarero would no longer continue as head coach of the national team, with former Honduran player Amado Guevara taking over as head coach.[14]

Team image

Kit suppliers

Provider Period
Spain Joma 2018–

Schedule and results

Main article: Puerto Rico national football team schedule and results

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss

2022

June 9 Nations League Cayman Islands  0–3  Puerto Rico George Town, Cayman Islands
18:00 UTC−5 Report
Stadium: Truman Bodden Sports Complex
Referee: Sergio Reyna (Guatemala)
June 12 Nations League Puerto Rico  6–0  British Virgin Islands Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
18:00 UTC−4
Report Stadium: Estadio Centroamericano
Referee: Germán Martínez (El Salvador)
September 22 Friendly Puerto Rico  Cancelled  Dominican Republic Westchester, United States
UTC−4 Stadium: Riccardo Silva Stadium

2023

March 23 Nations League British Virgin Islands  v  Puerto Rico British Virgin Islands
Stadium: TBD
March 26 Nations League Puerto Rico  v  Cayman Islands Puerto Rico
Stadium: TBD

Coaching staff

As of 16 May 2022.[15]
Role Name Since
Sporting director Puerto Rico Andrew Mojica
Head coach United States Dave Sarachan 24 February 2021[16]
Assistant coach United States Daryl Shore
Goalkeeping coach Puerto Rico Bradley Ospina

Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

Current squad

The following 24 players were called up to the squad for the 2022–23 CONCACAF Nations League matches against British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands on 9 and 12 June 2022, respectively.[18]

Caps and goals correct as of 12 June 2022, after the match against Cayman Islands.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Joel Serrano (1999-05-17) 17 May 1999 (age 25) 4 0 Puerto Rico Bayamón FC
1GK Sebastián Uranga (1990-09-16) 16 September 1990 (age 33) 0 0 Puerto Rico Metropolitan
1GK Aurie Echevarría (2001-06-26) 26 June 2001 (age 23) 0 0 United States Memphis 901 FC
2DF Darren Ríos (1995-10-14) 14 October 1995 (age 28) 13 1 United States Michigan Stars FC
2DF Rodolfo Sulia (2002-08-08) 8 August 2002 (age 21) 9 0 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Sol
2DF Nicolás Cardona (1999-02-11) 11 February 1999 (age 25) 8 1 United States Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
2DF Zarek Valentin (captain) (1991-08-06) 6 August 1991 (age 32) 4 1 United States Minnesota United
2DF Colby Quiñones (2003-04-14) 14 April 2003 (age 21) 2 0 United States New England Revolution II
2DF Parker O'Ferral (2003-12-18) December 18, 2003 (age 20) 0 0 United States North Carolina Tar Heels
3MF Gerald Díaz (1999-03-23) 23 March 1999 (age 25) 14 3 Spain CD Buñol
3MF Juan O'Neill (1998-07-12) 12 July 1998 (age 26) 11 0 Unattached
3MF Isaac Angking (2000-01-24) 24 January 2000 (age 24) 7 4 United States Columbus Crew 2
3MF Roberto Ydrach (2001-05-26) May 26, 2001 (age 23) 2 0 United States UCF Knights
3MF Brian Flores (2003-08-25) 25 August 2003 (age 20) 1 0 United States New York City FC II
3MF Ian Silva (2004-11-06) November 6, 2004 (age 19) 1 0 United States Orlando City B
4FW Ricardo Rivera (1997-04-17) 17 April 1997 (age 27) 15 8 Spain CD Buñol
4FW Wilfredo Rivera (2003-10-14) 14 October 2003 (age 20) 8 0 United States Orlando City
4FW Jaden Servania (2001-07-16) 16 July 2001 (age 22) 8 1 United States North Carolina FC
4FW Alec Díaz (2001-12-07) 7 December 2001 (age 22) 7 0 Canada Toronto FC II
4FW Kevin Hernandez (1999-07-17) 17 July 1999 (age 24) 7 0 Spain Vinaròs CF
4FW Lester Hayes III (1993-09-19) 19 September 1993 (age 30) 3 1 Denmark Middelfart Boldklub
4FW Leandro Antonetti (2003-01-01) January 1, 2003 (age 21) 2 0 Spain Lugo
4FW Christopher Dilam (1999-02-19) 19 February 1999 (age 25) 1 0 United States The Villages SC

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up within the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
DF Diego Rossi (2005-05-19) 19 May 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Italy Parma v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 WD
MF Alejandro Silvestrini (2005-06-26) 26 June 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Argentina Argentinos Juniors v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 PRE
MF Jordan Saling (1996-03-15) 15 March 1996 (age 28) 2 0 United States Flower City Union v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 PRE
MF Devin Vega (1998-12-28) 28 December 1998 (age 25) 8 1 United States Des Moines Menace v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 WD
FW Jeremy de León (2004-03-18) 18 March 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Spain CD Castellón v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 WD
FW Jan Mateo (2003-01-31) 31 January 2003 (age 21) 4 0 Dominican Republic Jarabacoa FC v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 PRE
FW Joel Burgos (1999-10-29) 29 October 1999 (age 24) 0 0 Belize Verdes FC v.  Cayman Islands, 9 June 2022 PRE
Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE = Preliminary squad / standby
  • RET = Retired from the national team
  • SUS = Serving suspension
  • WD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Records

As of 12 June 2022[19]
Players in bold are still active with Puerto Rico.

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Italy 1934
France 1938
Brazil 1950
Switzerland 1954
Sweden 1958
Chile 1962 Did not enter Did not enter
England 1966
Mexico 1970
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 12
Argentina 1978 Did not enter Did not enter
Spain 1982
Mexico 1986 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 8
Italy 1990 2 0 0 2 1 3
United States 1994 4 1 1 2 4 5
France 1998 2 0 0 2 1 9
South Korea Japan 2002 2 0 1 1 4 8
Germany 2006 Did not enter Did not enter
South Africa 2010 Did not qualify 3 1 1 1 3 6
Brazil 2014 6 2 3 1 8 4
Russia 2018 2 1 0 1 1 2
Qatar 2022 4 2 1 1 10 2
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined
Total 0/22 29 7 7 15 32 59

CONCACAF Gold Cup

CONCACAF Championship & Gold Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
El Salvador 1963 Did not enter
Guatemala 1965
Honduras 1967
Costa Rica 1969
Trinidad and Tobago 1971
Haiti 1973
Mexico 1977
Honduras 1981
1985
1989
United States 1991 Did not qualify
Mexico United States 1993
United States 1996
United States 1998
United States 2000
United States 2002
Mexico United States 2003
United States 2005
United States 2007 Did not enter
United States 2009
United States 2011 Did not qualify
United States 2013
Canada United States 2015
United States 2017
Costa Rica Jamaica United States 2019
United States 2021
Total 0/26

CONCACAF Nations League

CONCACAF Nations League record
Season League Group Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK
United States 2019–20 C C 4 2 0 2 6 12 Same position 35th
2022–23 C D 2 2 0 0 9 0 Rise
Total 6 4 0 2 15 12 35th

CFU Caribbean Cup

CFU Championship & Caribbean Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Trinidad and Tobago 1978 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 1 2
Suriname 1979 Did not enter Did not enter
Puerto Rico 1981 Fourth Place 4th 3 0 1 2 1 9 Qualified as host
French Guiana 1983 Did not enter Did not enter
Barbados 1985
Martinique 1988
Barbados 1989
Trinidad and Tobago 1990
Jamaica 1991 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 3 6
Trinidad and Tobago 1992 Did not enter Did not enter
Jamaica 1993 Group stage 6th 3 0 1 2 7 14 3 3 0 0 7 0
Trinidad and Tobago 1994 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 1 2
Cayman Islands Jamaica 1995 3 0 1 2 3 14
Trinidad and Tobago 1996 Did not enter Did not enter
Antigua and Barbuda Saint Kitts and Nevis 1997 Withdrew Withdrew
Jamaica Trinidad and Tobago 1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 1 7
Trinidad and Tobago 1999 3 0 0 3 0 9
Trinidad and Tobago 2001 2 0 1 1 1 2
Barbados 2005 3 0 1 2 3 11
Trinidad and Tobago 2007 Did not enter Did not enter
Jamaica 2008
Martinique 2010 Did not qualify 6 3 0 3 10 8
Antigua and Barbuda 2012 6 2 0 4 15 12
Jamaica 2014 3 0 2 1 5 6
Martinique 2017 6 1 2 3 11 11
Total Fourth Place 2/25 6 0 2 4 8 23 43 10 8 25 61 80

Pan American Games

Pan American Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
Argentina 1951 Did not enter
Mexico 1955
United States 1959
Brazil 1963
Canada 1967
Colombia 1971
Mexico 1975
Puerto Rico 1979 Round 2 5th 4 1 0 3 2 12
Venezuela 1983 Did not enter
United States 1987
Cuba 1991
Argentina 1995
Canada 1999
Dominican Republic 2003 Did not qualify
Brazil 2007 Did not enter
Mexico 2011 Did not qualify
Canada 2015
Peru 2019
Total Round 2 1/18 4 1 0 3 2 12

See also

References

  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 10 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  3. ^ VOCERO, Yamaira Muñiz Pérez, EL. "Se rejuvenece el Huracán Azul". El Vocero de Puerto Rico. Retrieved 17 April 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b c "Puerto Rico – List of International Matches". RSSSF. Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. 31 January 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  5. ^ Lewis, Michael (February 2001). "Now You See Him". Soccer Digest. Archived from the original on 21 December 2007. Retrieved 10 December 2007.
  6. ^ "Primerahora.com". primerahora.com. GFR Media LLC. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  7. ^ "Fútbol femenino arranca mañana en Venezuela | META MAYAGUEZ 2010". Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  8. ^ Torres, Publicado por Javier. "Puerto Rico cae en reñido amistoso ante USA". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  9. ^ "India 4–1 Puerto Rico". Soccerway.com. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  10. ^ Torres, Publicado por Javier. "Reñido empate ante Indonesia". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  11. ^ "La Selección se activa en beneficio de reconstrucción de Puerto Rico | FutbolBoricua.net". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  12. ^ "Kaká jugará su último partido contra Puerto Rico | FutbolBoricua.net". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  13. ^ Torres, Publicado por Javier. "Cae Puerto Rico 6–1 ante Orlando City SC". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  14. ^ Torres, Publicado por Javier. "FPF anuncia salida de los técnicos nacionales". Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  15. ^ "Mayor Masculna". fedefutbolpr.com. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  16. ^ Torres, Javier. "Listo Puerto Rico rumbo a Qatar 2022 bajo Dave Sarachan". El Huracán Azul Puerto Rico.
  17. ^ "Puerto Rico – E. Morales – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  18. ^ "ESCOGIDO EL HURACÁN AZUL MAYOR PARA LIGA DE NACIONES CONCACAF" (in Spanish). San Juan: Puerto Rican Football Federation. 16 May 2022.
  19. ^ "Puerto Rico". National Football Teams.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Puerto_Rico_national_football_team&oldid=1140813501"