It’s never easy for a soccer player to move to a new country where the language spoken and the culture is completely different. But as of only one month, Pablo Vranjicán not only adjusted to New York City, but also debuted with a goal in stoppage time against Puerto Rico FC a few weeks ago.  

“To be honest I’m very happy with the trust that the coaching staff has given me,” said the striker for the Cosmos. “I got here, and I worked hard little by little to be able to play competitively. I debuted with a goal and I’ve been a starter for these last two games; it’s a dream come true.”

“Pablito”, as his teammates call him, has an abundance of experience that he brings to this team. He has played in several countries, such as the first divisions in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Cyprus, and Malaysia. However, it’s important to mention that, as a professional footballer, Vranjicán really distinguished himself during his time in Chile. 

“I decided to go to Rangers of Talca and I had a great season there, then, Universidad Católica de Chile, one of the most decorated and historic teams in Chile’s history, contacted me and signed me,” admitted the goal scorer. “I became champions with them in 2010 and I played the Copa Libertadores, and to be honest it was a unique and beautiful experience. Chile has always treated me very well.”

But the experience that was really distinct compared to the rest, was that of when he played in Malaysia. Here he explains:

“Because of how far it is, and the culture, it’s not always easy to just pick up and leave, but from an economic standpoint and for the wellbeing of my family, I chose to go play there [Malaysia]. Honestly it was a great experience since we got to know new and different cultures, in a country that is predominantly Muslim, with foods and customs completely different from what I am used to,” mentioned the Cosmos forward. 

“There are experiences that make me proud of being a professional soccer player because never in my life when I first started my career, did I think I would end up doing what I love on the complete opposite side of the world.”

Vranjicán, who is a die-hard fan of the team where he debuted in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, and sympathizer of Racing Club of Avellaneda (both from the Argentina’s First Division), joined the Cosmos with few games left to play in the Spring Season, yet he sees a positive future for this team in the Fall Season.

“First and foremost, it’s important that we obtain three points this weekend against Edmonton. After that, we have the Fall Season which will be very tough, but we will try our best to finish at the top of the table,” he added. 

Vranjicán and the rest of the team will close out the 2017 NASL Spring Season with a road game against FC Edmonton. The action kicks off on Saturday, July 15 at 9:00 pm, EST. Tune in on ESPN3.