ORLANDO – November 4, 2014 – Orlando City Soccer Club’s Major League Soccer (MLS) signees Estrela (19) and Rafael Ramos (19) have been called up by the Portugal U-20 Men’s National Team for an international friendly against England’s U-20 side.
The match is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 17 at the City of Coimbra’s Municipal Stadium, Sérgio Conceição, in Portugal.
The upcoming contest marks a significant opportunity for Ramos and Estrela to notch their first international appearances at the national team level, as Portugal continues to prepare for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
"It would be very special to me. That's a goal I have traced in mind and hope to achieve this year," said Estrela on the possibility of being called up. "I certainly have to work hard every day in order to be among the 21 players that will represent Portugal in this important competition."
Ramos talked about his history with Estrela throughout their soccer careers.
"Sometimes we joke we have many pictures together for different clubs and now the National Team," said Ramos. "We already were very good friends at Benfica and now, living together in the US and playing for Orlando City has been the same. It is very good that we are always together."
Both Ramos and Estrela joined Orlando City in August via City’s partnership with SL Benfica. After completing the remainder of the 2014 USL PRO campaign with the Lions, Ramos and Estrela received their first call ups from Portugal for a week-long training camp in October.
