Abraham Romero’s eager to compete for titles after joining Orange County SC

After spending two seasons with LA Galaxy II, goalkeeper Abraham Romero is taking his talents down the 405 to Orange County SC. He told BGN, “The time I spent at Galaxy was great, made some life long friends in the two years i was apart of the club, but I think OCSC was the right move because it’s a professional environment with what I believe to be an honest coaching staff that will tell you how it is. Also it’s a plus that I’m only an hour drive away from my family. That’s big for me.”

With the change from Los Dos to Orange County SC, Romero will be going from a club focused on development to a club trying to win USL Championship titles. “It’s nice to step into a real professional environment again,” he said. “Los Dos have a fantastic developmental program with great talented kids, but in all honesty, I missed the sensation of playing with completely developed and experienced players like (Michael) Orozco, (Rob) Kiernan, (Chris) Wehan, (Brent) Richards, (Seth) Casiple, (Thomas) Enevoldsen, etc. It’s comforting in a sense to know I have that experience next to me along with my own to win matches and hopefully a championship.”

On the international level, Romero played for the United States’ U-15 side before he switched over to the Mexican youth teams. In recent years, there has been discussion and debate about how well or poorly the USMNT system has done with recruiting dual nationals. “I’m not sure I’m the guy to say how the USYNT and USMNT should go about their recruitment without rubbing anyone the wrong way so I’m just going to keep that opinion to myself,” Abraham said with a laugh.

“I’m big on loyalty and Mexico gave me an opportunity and stood by me in difficult moments through my career and development they made me feel welcomed and at home so it was a pretty easy pick for me to choose Mexico.”

He was rewarded for that decision as he earned the starting spot for El Tri in the U-17 and U-20 World Cups. Romero explained, “It’s an unbelievable experience to have started both World Cups and attending a Club World Cup with Pachuca during my spell in Mexico. I think it’s (a) feeling I’ll keep with me for the rest of my career something I really can’t explain, it’s more of a you had to do it to know what it actually feels like.”

“Ultimately I have two goals one is to head overseas and play there for a long while and obviously the other is to break through to the full men’s national team for Mexico and hopefully with hard work and consistency, I’ll be able to be the number one for them for many years. It’s something I don’t see too out of reach if I’m quite honest, crazier things in football have happened.”

While he looks to establish himself on the grand stage, Abraham had some great players at his position to watch when he was younger. “Simple answer for me, my favorite goalkeepers growing up were Oswaldo Sanchez, (Gianluigi) Buffon, and Jorge Campos,” he said.

But, who are the four players on his Mount Rushmore for best goalkeepers of all-time? “Now, who do I think are the greatest, I couldn’t tell you,” Abraham responded. “Too many to choose from, Buffon, (Manuel) Neuer, Oliver Khan, Íker Casillas, Peter Schmeichel, (Edwin) van der Sar, Dida, (Jan) Oblak, (Victor) Valdés, (Keylor) Navas, (Marc-Andre) ter Stegen, Petr Cech, etc. You can argue a case for any of these keepers I just sit back and try to learn from everyone and enjoy the world class keepers in my lifetime.”

A native of Altadena, California, and now with his resume including stops in Los Angeles and Irvine, what three songs would Romero put on a true “Cali” playlist of only California artists? He answered, “Cali playlist with three songs is tough so many great songs and artist but I think I’d have to say: “California Love” by Tupac, “All Eyez On Me” by Tupac, “Sing About Me, and I’m Dying of Thirst” by Kendrick Lamar.”

“Close fourth and fifth have to be “Perfect Ten” by Mustard and Nipsey Hussle, and “Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City” by Kendrick Lamar. I’m not trying to say these are the best songs California has to offer, but if you make a Cali playlist and these aren’t on it you have to go rethink what you consider good music,” he added.

Carson A Merk

Reporting live from Sin City, I have covered both RGVFC and Las Vegas Lights FC since their inceptions. I also write profiles to highlight players from the NCAA to USL to NWSL and everywhere in between.