Oscar PAREJA from Medellin to MLS

Oscar PAREJA, one of the players from Colombia's "Golden Generation" played with 'El Pibe" and Leonel Alvarez. Known for his beautiful style of play as young player in Colombia, he was nicknamed 'El Guapo' by the fans.

He moved to the USA to play in the young soccer league, MLS. He played for a short while in New England before being traded to FC Dallas (it was named the Dallas Burn at the time). He played the remainder of his career for FC Dallas before retiring to become the Assistant Coach for the first team.

A couple of years later he joined fellow Colombian Wilmer Cabera for a short period to set up the US U-17 residency program as assistant coach to the US National team at that level. But he was drawn back to Dallas to help create and lead an academy to develop the very best of the young talent in the area at the U-16 and U-18 levels.

For the past three years Pareja has done a stunning job of developing the FC Dallas Development Academy into one of the most respected academies in the country based on the style of play and quality of the talent coming out of the academy.

In 2011 he was recognized for his many contributions to the sport, his personal achievements, and his ability to earn the respect of players, coaches, and fans.

See a Hall of Fame tribute video HERE, and read about it on the FC Dallas site.

January 2011 begins a new chapter in the story of Oscar PAREJA - as the new head coach for MLS' Colorado Rapids.

Calculated Risk

 

3rdDegree.com has been reporting on Dallas since 1996. In this article they have "A few last words with Oscar Pareja".

 

With Oscar Pareja hired as coach, Rapids change direction




His first game as head coach is March 10th, 2012.

 

Soccer America article: Colorado banks on Oscar Pareja to Revamp Rapids

"Rapids turn to new coach Oscar Pareja for passion" Pareja's task will be to add creativity to the game plan and creative players to the roster, Bravo said, pointing to former Colorado player and Colombian star Carlos Valderrama as the type of playmaker the team is interested in.

Pareja has a different reputation. "He has a passion for a creative way to play the game," Bravo said of Pareja.



http://photos.denverpost.com/mediac...-new-head-coach-oscar-pareja/27020/#name here

 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150510747088887.397761.9733218886&type=3

 

Full page "Thank You" to Oscar Pareja from FC Dallas - appeared in the Dallas Morning News the week of January 8, 2012

 

Manager Oscar Pareja didn’t waste any time handing the armband to Mastroeni, who shares a mutual respect for his manager from their playing days: “It looks like he's been coaching first-team soccer for many, many years. … There's a fire in your belly to want to get out there and work for Oscar.”

http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_19803210