I don’t want to say I told you so, but I told you so…
Those were Adrian Heath’s remarks after Carlos Rivas’ dazzling super-sub performance against the Colorado Rapids, which included a picture-perfect assist from the Colombian in the team’s 2-0 win after coming on for an injured Brek Shea 30 minutes into the game.
It was by far his most complete game in a purple shirt.
Since then, he’s gone even further.
In last night’s thrilling 2-0 win over Columbus Crew SC, the moment that Rivas and the City faithful have been waiting for finally arrived.
With the team up 1-0 thanks to Kaka’s finish, Orlando City were firing on all cylinders in the final third and searching for a second. The ball broke loose to Rivas 25 yards out, and the Colombian didn't dissapoint, letting loose a spectacular golazo to double the team’s lead 10 minutes before the end of the half.
After the game, the Wall celebrated Rivas’ performance, belting “Oleeee, Ole, Ole, Ole… Rivas, Rivas,” as he came off the pitch.
His comments afterward were nothing short of confident.
“I’ve been training every day and have a lot of encouragement from my coach and teammates. Thanks to that, I’ve been continually improving and plan to keep it up. Since the first game I have played with confidence. I know my ability in taking strikes from a distance. I got that opportunity tonight. The ball reached me, I went for it and got the goal.”
Rivas, who was riddled with niggling injuries in the early portion of the season, faced criticism from the media and fans who were expecting immediate results from a player they all expected to be “the next big thing.”
Moving to a foreign country isn’t an easy task for anyone. But for Rivas – a player who is facing the pressure of signing his first international contract as a Designated Player – the adjustment took a bit more time.
His coach, however, was always quick to defend the young Colombian prospect.
“It was a very frustrating start for him. He came, had a good game in the preseason that impressed many, but then dislocated his shoulder and missed four games in three, four weeks. Then had an injured hamstring, calf and then later had to go back to Colombia to fix his documentation. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we’re starting to see a little more of his talent when he finally trains for three consecutive weeks for the first time since joining. The best of Carlos Rivas is still ahead,” said Heath earlier in the season.
If they didn’t believe him then, they certainly do now.
The turning point started in the team’s match-up against former USL rivals Charleston Battery in the Open Cup, as Rivas scored not once, not twice, but three times in one of Orlando’s most dramatic games all season.
Sure, all three were from the penalty spot, but it displayed a newfound sense of confidence within the 20-year-old as he comfortably blasted each attempt in regulation past experienced goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper.
Fast forward one week later and there was no drop off in Rivas’ game against Colorado.
Not only was his cross for Cyle Larin’s goal straight from the training ground, but it was one of his most active performances all season, as he was a constant terror for the Rapids’ defense.
“It’s a start for him. The kid has lots of qualities. You don’t garner the kind of interest he had in him when he was down in Cali,” said Heath after the Rapids match. “We’re talking about some of the biggest clubs down in Europe watching him. He’s had a difficult start, there’s no two ways about it. But, as I said, when these kids come from a different country and can’t speak the language at 20-21 years of age, it’s going to take them time. I was really pleased for him because he did some of the stuff that we know he can do. Let’s just hope this is a start for him and he keeps injury free. Everything is moving in the right direction.”
It seems the gaffer was right again.
“He’s training everyday now. Until about three weeks ago he’s missed about half the training days. He’s starting to look like himself and doing the things we’re expecting of him. He’s becoming a threat now. I’m not the only one who thinks that, I know the opposing coach thinks that,” added Heath.
It’s safe to say that the best of Carlos Rivas is still ahead…
