When the New York Cosmos permanently secured the services of Andrés Flores last December, it meant more than shoring up the center and edges of their attack with a creative player. Flores, who captains El Salvador’s national team, has deep roots in his home country that have connected the Cosmos to the Salvadoran community. With his help a trip to El Salvador for a friendly against C.D. FAS became a reality.

Flores’ ties to Fundación Educando a un Salvadoreño (Salvadoran Education Foundation), or FESA, were instrumental in bringing the Cosmos to Central America. FESA is a non-profit that supports Salvadoran children through education and sport.

"@camarasal: Te invitamos a asistir a este gran encuentro deportivo organizado por @FESAELSALVADOR pic.twitter.com/ioMc9sQXpt"

— FESA El Salvador (@FESAELSALVADOR) March 5, 2015

“[FESA] helped arrange the trip and our game with FAS,” Flores told NYCosmos.com before the team left for El Salvador. “All the money that is made from the game will be put into their school: more classrooms, more fields, those sorts of things. We’ll be helping with that.”

In addition to his increased involvement with FESA, Flores was also named an ambassador with El Salvador’s Special Olympics organization in January.

De igual forma con @OLIMPIADAS_EES porque cada día me siento uno más de la familia. pic.twitter.com/gkSaHxfws7

— Andrés Flores (@andresflo1) March 12, 2015

“That was really cool,” he said of his role with Olimpiadas Especiales El Salvador. “I met some of the athletes that work with them. I’m very honored and proud to be part of that. They’re always helping them make their dreams come true. It’s very awesome to be part of their team.”

Ever since the Cosmos touched down in San Salvador on Wednesday they have been surrounded by media and fans: at the airport, on the training pitch and at their pregame press conference with C.D. FAS. Many of these fans are excited to see world footballing stars Raúl and Marcos Senna, but “Ruso” Flores is held in equally high esteem.

#NYCosmos arrive for open training at @CDeportivoFAS. Fans go crazy for @andresflo1 pic.twitter.com/aBUte5Fmui

— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) March 12, 2015

At the press conference on Thursday both Raúl and Senna were complimentary of their teammate and his desire to make a positive impact for his country.

"Everyone respects Andrés for his character on and off the field,” Senna said. “He has a bright future."

"I want to help Andrés however I can - on the field and here in El Salvador - so I can become better,” Raúl added. “You can always improve."

Flores knows how much this match at Estadio Cuscatlán means to soccer fans in El Salvador.

“People are really excited for the game,” he said. “They’re very excited to go to the game and see Marcos, Raúl and all of our players. It’s an honor to play with those guys and to play in front of that crowd.”

The Cosmos will face C.D. FAS on Saturday, March 14 at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET.