EDMONTON — Ramόn Soria may be new to Edmonton, but his debut for the club won’t be the first time he’s taken to the pitch at Clarke Stadium.

The 29-year-old defender’s previous North American experience includes a season with the Ottawa Fury in 2014 and Puerto Rico FC in 2016-17, where he took on the Eddies several times.

“I know FC Edmonton quite well,” Soria said. “FC Edmonton used to have competitive teams every season and it was very demanding playing against them, especially at home where they were very strong.”

The Villarreal youth product has also played professionally in his native Spain, Norway and Slovenia.

“I have great memories from Canada,” Soria added. “It is a country I love and wanted to come back to one day. Now, I have the opportunity to join a new era in Canadian football and I am delighted to be part of it.”

A technically-gifted, left-sided defender, Soria had been on head coach Jeff Paulus’ radar since he assumed the position last year.

“He’ll be the best passing defender in the CPL,” Paulus said. “His ability with the ball, his technique, is fantastic. He’s also a left-sided player, which are so difficult to find.”

Whether it be as a left centreback in a back four or a left defender in a back three, Soria’s position comes at a premium.

“I describe myself as a very competitive player with very good technical skill,” Soria said. “I’m pretty intense when it comes to defence, and I think I have a great work ethic and intelligence about the game.”

Added Paulus: “He was an under-17 Spanish international, and with the million players in that country, to even get to that level, you’ve got to have something, and he still does.”

Soria said there was a mutual understanding between the two during their early conversations, and their past knowledge of one another helped strike a deal.

“He talked to me about the new league and the style of play he wanted for the team,” described Soria. “It was not a tough decision to say yes.”

A message from Ramon Soria! (@RSoriaAlonso)

P.S. We're slightly jealous of your weather ☀️#FCEd #yeg #CanPL pic.twitter.com/hB57jfA3tP

— FC Edmonton (@FCEdmontonNow) February 4, 2019

While having played in Edmonton before, Soria admits he doesn’t actually know too much about the city itself, as there wasn’t a lot of time to explore during his previous whirlwind trips.

“Former players have always spoken highly about the club and the city,” Soria said. “I have been informed there are many beautiful places to visit around Edmonton.”

Still a month away from pre-season, Soria already has high expectations for his first season with FC Edmonton, saying he can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Clarke Stadium and make an impact.

“The first year will always be remembered, and we have the opportunity to start writing the history of the league,” Soria added. “Playing in the Canadian Championship, which gives a berth into the CONCACAF Champions League, is also very exciting.

“It will be very hard to beat the other CPL clubs and MLS clubs, but it is football and anything is possible. We will play to be competitive in every game and to win.”