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USL Orange County SC

Haitian International Ronaldo Damus Finds Home in Orange County SC

June 3, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


During the penultimate game of the 2021 Orange County SC (OCSC) preseason against Azusa Pacific University, Ronaldo Damus (DEH-muhs) saw his teammate Raymond Drai alone with the ball on the left side of the penalty box. Drai crossed the ball over three defenders where Damus waited to head it past the keeper for the game-tying goal.

"I felt very good and happy to score for this team," Damus said. "I felt comfortable to be part of the system and use my speed at the top [of the formation]."

Once the ball hit the back of the net, Damus ran with a huge smile to Drai and they celebrated the goal together. It was a special moment for them since Drai told the young Haitian striker that he would assist him on a goal during the pregame. Though the assists do not just come on the pitch, Drai has helped with Damus's adaptation to life in Orange County.

The 21-year-old Damus enters his first campaign with OCSC after spending the previous two seasons at USL League One's North Texas SC. In his only full year with the Texan club, he won the 2019 USL League One Golden Boot after scoring 16 goals in 20 regular-season matches. Prior to that, Damus featured for the FC Dallas U-19 Academy squad and Real Hope FA in Haiti. In addition, he has been capped by Haiti's national team at both the youth and senior international level.

In January 2021, Damus signed with Orange County SC.

"It's the way we set up on the field and how we defend," Damus said. "We defend as a team, attack as a team and every player feels positive for this team. It helps me to show my qualities."

OCSC offers him a unique opportunity to achieve his dream of playing professional soccer in Europe because of the club's international partnership with Rangers F.C. in Scotland. With that in mind, Damus brings in qualities that allow him to contribute in both the scoring and assisting of goals as well as the motivation to develop in Orange County.

When Damus first arrived, he did not immediately train or explore his new confines. Instead, he was required to spend 10 days alone in quarantine.

"It was not easy at first," Damus said. "A new organization, everything is new and I miss my family and girlfriend in Haiti. Now, it is really good and I am very happy. The team has been very nice with me and I have gotten close with the young guys, like Raymond [Drai]."

Drai, who at 16-years-old made his professional debut for OCSC at the end of the 2020 season, took the initiative to help get Damus settled into his new home.

"He was coming from a different state and even country with a different language," said Drai. "I wanted to introduce myself... and we were able to connect because of the language."

Damus speaks French, which is Haiti's official language along with Haitian Creole. Drai understands and speaks just enough French, thanks to his father, to communicate with his new teammate.

Through that, a friendship was struck. Since Damus does not have a car, Drai offered to give him rides back and forth from Damus's apartment to their training sessions at the Orange County Great Park. The bonding continues after training when they recover at the pool or jacuzzi.

Off the pitch, Drai hopes to take Damus to one of his favorite hangout locations in Orange County.

"I really want to take him to Irvine Spectrum," Drai said. "I always love going there and it would be cool to take him there after a good game so we can really enjoy it."

Drai did admit, however, that Damus prefers to relax and take it easy by playing video games. Specifically, FIFA 21, where Damus can be found most likely playing as his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Not only do they have a name in common, but also the signature goal celebration. Despite scoring in the second to last preseason game, Damus did not pull out his usual celebration as he opted to celebrate with Drai.

"Ronaldo [Damus] is a cool and humble guy and has made so much progress since his first preseason game against LA Galaxy II," Drai said.

Damus has been an aggressive force on the wing for OC so far this season and has started in all three regular-season matches. He looks to continue his momentum in a rematch on the road against Sacramento this Saturday.

"I want to do everything for the club so that we can be successful," Damus said. "I want to win a championship."

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