FC Dallas Assistant Coach Oscar Pareja announced today that he has accepted the assistant coaching position with the United States Under-17 Men's National Team, thus ending his 10 years with the FC Dallas organization. Pareja, a star midfielder with the team from 1998-2005, served as assistant coach for the past two seasons, including the first assistant in 2007.
"It has been a great honor to represent this organization for all these years," said Pareja. "I have incredible memories and consider myself fortunate to have represented this team, and this city in Major League Soccer. I have accepted this opportunity to join the U.S. Men's Under-17 National Team, where I know we can have an impact on the future talent in the country, and I accept this challenge with great pride. I want to wish FC Dallas all the best, and together with my family, we will be supporting the team closer than ever, because we will always feel part of this family."
"I have had a tremendous relationship with Oscar for the past six years, both as a player and teammate, and as part of the coaching staff," said FC Dallas Head Coach Steve Morrow. "He and his family were presented this opportunity from U.S. Soccer, and they felt it was the right time to move on and pursue this new challenge. I will be very sad to see him leave, but wish him every success in this next endeavor and his future."
"For the past 10 years, Oscar has represented our colors with the utmost dedication, professionalism, and commitment," said Hitchcock. "He was the face of the team both on and off the field, and he wore his love for the team on his sleeve. On behalf of the entire organization, I want to wish Oscar and his family all the best in this new exciting challenge."
Pareja came to MLS in 1998 after a successful stint with Deportivo Cali in Colombia, where he led the team to the 1995-96 Colombian championship. After playing 13 games with the New England Revolution to start his MLS career, he was acquired by Dallas and became a stable presence in midfield for the next eight seasons.
As the team captain, Pareja was selected the team's Most Valuable Player twice (2001 and 2002) and was also voted to the MLS Best XI in the 2001 season. He finished his MLS career having scored 13 goals and assisted on 52 in 189 games. The 39-year-old also represented his country at the international level, earning 11 caps and scoring three goals.
