In a small, dark room stuffed to the ceiling with soccer jerseys and other equipment, Pedro Rosario focused intently on a small adhesive patch he held in his hand.

“If I had nails, this would be easier,” he said, stripping off the plastic backing and placing the patch on the right breast of a purple Orlando City jersey.

After making sure it was straight, he grabbed the handle of a press and swung it down, squeezing the shirt between 260-degree metal plates. A digital screen on the front of the press counted down three seconds then beeped and turned green. Rosario lifted the handle. He bent over the shirt and peeled away a top layer of plastic to reveal ironed-on words, “FUERZA PUERTO RICO FRIENDLY,” below two images of flags representing Orlando City and Puerto Rico.

Rosario, the team’s equipment manager, repeated those steps until each jersey had a patch, contributing to the club’s effort to support the island where he was born. The players who will wear those perfectly-pressed jerseys Saturday night will compete against the Puerto Rican national team to raise money in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

The jerseys will be auctioned off after the match to raise additional funds.

“I’m excited,” said Rosario, 25. “It’s a great honor. I love doing anything for my island. I’m excited to be a part of it, even if it’s just with equipment. Bringing awareness to everyone around about what’s happening in Puerto Rico, it’s a great opportunity.”

Rosario said he used to know some players on the Puerto Rican national team but isn’t as familiar with the current roster. He is looking forward to interacting with the squad this weekend.

Born in Puerto Rico, Rosario moved to the United States to attend college at Florida International University in Miami when he was 19 years old. He played basketball growing up and decided to major in sports management. When he saw an internship opening with Orlando City’s corporate sponsorship team, he jumped at the opportunity. The club later hired him full-time to be part of soccer operations as equipment manager.

“I love it,” Rosario said. “I get to meet all these famous stars and they turn out to be friends. You get to hang out with them and the coaching staff, and travel.”

And this week, he gets to play a small role in helping his country heal.

Ubogagu called up

After a standout 2017 season with the Orlando Pride, forward Chioma Ubogagu earned her first call-up to the U.S. women’s national team.

Ubogagu will join Pride teammates Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris in camp as the U.S. prepares for its final two matches of the year against Canada on Nov. 9 in Vancouver and Nov. 12 in San Jose, Calif.

“The call-up is a worthy reward for the very successful 2017 season Chi had,” Pride coach Tom Sermanni said in a statement released by the club. “Her game and confidence grew throughout the season and, with it, came enhanced performances. This will be a great opportunity for her to keep learning at the highest level.”

Ubogagu, 25, was acquired via trade with the Houston Dash in January. She scored four goals and had three assists this year.

Although this is her first call-up to the senior national team, Ubogagu previously played at the U-18, U-20 and U-23 levels. She also helped the U.S. win the U-20 World Cup and the CONCACAF Championship in 2012.

ardelgallo@orlandosentinel.com