Ozzie Ramos flew from California to Wisconsin this past month to begin a new chapter in his professional soccer career.
The 2014 Central Valley High School grad was traded from Central Valley Fuego FC to fellow USL League One club Forward Madison FC on Sept. 7.
“In pro sports, you never know where you’ll end up,” Ramos said. “I’m good at adapting myself to new environments. I came here a few times this year and last year. It’s one of the places players want to play. Everybody supports the team here. It’s a sellout every game. Ultimately, I’m playing a kid’s game. And I get to make a living doing it.”
Fuego FC will receive an international roster spot for the 2024 season in exchange for Ramos, a 27-year-old center midfielder.
“We are excited to add a player of Ozzie’s experience at this stage of the season to help us accomplish our goal of making the playoffs,” Forward Madison Head Coach Matt Glaeser said. “Ozzie has been a consistent contributor in our league and we feel that he will add to our group on and off the field.”
Ramos started practicing with new teammates at Breese Stevens Field on Sept. 8.
He made his debut against One Knoxville SC in USL League One play on Sept. 9. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Forward Madison has amassed one win, one loss and two ties since adding Ramos to its roster.
Forward Madison and three other teams are battling for the USL League One’s fifth and sixth playoff spots. The top six clubs from the Division-III league advance to the postseason.
USL League One features 12 teams, including Forward Madison, Central Valley Fuego FC, Charlotte Independence, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Greenville Triumph SC, One Knoxville SC, Lexington SC, North Carolina FC, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, Richmond Kickers, South Georgia Tormenta FC and Union Omaha.
“Everything has been amazing from the get-go,” Ramos said. “Right now, I’m focused on the rest of the season. I want to make a difference. My role as a midfielder is to keep things simple and make the guys around me successful.”
Ramos spent two seasons with Fresno-based Central Valley Fuego FC.
He appeared in 22 matches this year.
He enjoyed competing in front of family and friends.
“I’m so grateful to Fuego,” Ramos said. “I grew as a player and person. I learned a ton playing for (head coach) Martin Vasquez. Being able to play for him was on my bucket list. I gave absolutely everything to them.”
Ramos tied for first in California in assists (29) and ranked fifth in goals (31) during his final season of varsity soccer at Central Valley High School. He also claimed the WAC Most Valuable Player award for the second year in a row. The Hawks posted a program-best 26-2-0 overall record, captured their sixth straight conference title and advanced to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year.
Ramos started playing organized soccer at the age of six.
“It’s a job now,” he said. “I still enjoy it like I did when I was a kid. I love the game. Every year has been a step forward in my career. I can see myself playing for more years to come.”
