News

Name: Richard Pardo Leon
Position: Right Forward 1972-1994
DOB: June 7, 1961 in Santurce, Puerto Rico
Parents: Angelo Pardo and Emma Pardo
Teams: Remanso FC, Southern Methodist University

"It is an honor to have been recognized and inducted for the Puerto Rico Soccer Federation Hall of Fame.The feeling is indescribable. I was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico where I started playing soccer at the age of 13. I played for El Remanso Futbol Club. I was very fortunate to be trained by professional Colombians from the Millonario FC. I developed and grew as a player to the point that I was noticed by the National Team scouts.I had the privilege and honor to play for the Puerto Rico national team where I attended to different international soccer events such as CONCAF, CARIBBEAN CUP, CENTRAL AMERICAN GAMES and the PAN AMERICANS GAMES. I was scouted and recruited by Southern Methodist University (SMU) where I also played and graduated with a BA.For the love of the game I decided to become a Coach / teacher and obtained my coaching licenses. Presently, I am coaching with one of the best clubs in the nation, Dynamo | Dash Youth Soccer Club." Richard Pardo Leon, Dynamo | Dash Staff Coach.

National Idol. Great forward that never lost a ball, is remembered as one of the greatest offensive players in the history of Boricuan Soccer. A great part of his career was played for Remanso FC.

Successful winner. Thousands of Puerto Rican players could envy the amount of joy that Richard (better known as Richie) was able to celebrate in his impeccable career as a national and professional player. Pardo Leon, was a constant marker without letting the opponent think, deployment and perseverance to recover the ball and the orderly exit in the defensive area. Although he also had an obsession to play the ball well and deliver it accurately to his teammates. Something that most of the time he achieved and in that I never disappoint any of their national coaches.

He was the tool that any coach wanted in his scheme, the reliable player with a winning spirit. In between 1972 and 1994, Pardo Leon fought hundreds of sports battles wearing the shirts of Remanso FC (Puerto Rico), Clubs of Dallas, TX, Clubs of Houston, TX and Southern Methodist University (ranking top 10 of the nation 1979-1983), in national tournaments and in international competitions with the national team of Puerto Rico.

Right forward, nothing more or nothing less than a true winner. He knew how to take advantage of his position by his stature of 5'7 and enjoy a moment where the conquests were a common denominator and important.

"We are all so incredibly proud of Coach Richie and would like to congratulate him and his family for this amazing honor." Randy Evans, Senior Staff / Director of Coaching - Girls.

"Elian worked very hard for the club last year in the U19 Boys Development Academy and we're excited to hear this fantastic news and for his opportunity to advance his soccer career forward to the next level."  Alex Cardenas, U19 Development Academy Head Coach.   

"Playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup; a dream of an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. To be growing up playing within the US Youth National Teams and always having the expectation of growing within the system to one day end up playing with the red, white and blue; to now representing my country of origin in the highest stage of football possible was such a huge honor. There were the good moments in the matches, and for sure moments I watch my film on knowing, 'this needs to be a lot better'. That’s the beauty in the game, you can always continue to grow, you’re never 'too good' or 'too far up' not to!"

Five top take-a-ways:

The take-a-ways I took from this experience that definitely helped me grow during the tournament, as well as what will stick with me for the rest of my life, were based on:

1. My mental space
2. Psychological aspect
3. Ambiance of the stage
4. Overwhelming challenges that came on and off the field
5. Remembering what keeps me going through it all—my family, background, struggles, fight and my perseverance

"All these things combined really helped navigate me through the good and bad that went on during the tournament that helped me truly grow as a player, and more so as a person. It’s crazy to think, but all those days in club, the extra days that work had to be put in, all the fitness testing, the two a days that consisted of an equal ratio of sweat and tears, all the “sorry, I can’t. I have soccer,” messages that had to be sent when my football had to come first before anything else.  It was after remembering, feeling and going through all this, that I knew putting in all that time I would never get back into this passion of mine, was all worth it to bring me into this dream based reality of mine that will forever be priceless."

"I’m so grateful and thankful for everyone who was involved in this experience and all my experiences along the way. My family, close friends, all the coaches throughout my whole life, the teammates I’ve been blessed to have along the way that have helped me work to be not only a better player, but a better Michaela. The best part about it all, is that it is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what else is in store in what’s to come!"

The club like to congratulate, recognize and thank Michaela for the time she took out of her busy schedule to provide her personal insight on playing in the World Cup 2019.  She continues to be a first class roll model who is extremely humble when speaking on her club, college and professional career.  

On June 14, players from the Dash Youth Kingwood Program attended a Houston Dash training session to observe the players as they prepared to play against Orlando Pride. Coach James Clarkson stopped by shortly before practice to introduce himself to the girls and welcomed them to training. The girls took much away from the experience, with the highlights being, the intensity, attitude and quality of the play. After practice, several Dash players took the time to interact with the girls and thanked them for coming to watch them train.