He was due for a night like this.
In his 14th MLS appearance, Carlos Rivas had the best game of his young career. He came on in relief of Brek Shea in the 39th minute and his presence made an immediate impact.
“I don’t want to say I told you so, but I told you so,” smiled head coach Adrian Heath after Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids. He had plenty of reasons to smile, and Rivas was certainly chief among them.
“It was interesting tonight that when we got the ball in comfortable positions, we were looking for Rivas making runs in behind people,” Heath said. Rivas’ runs opened up the play for Kaká and Cyle Larin – and later Pedro Ribeiro – all night.
Then in the 62nd minute, Rivas took the ball and blew past two defenders to feed a gorgeous cross into the box. It snuck behind the Rapids’ defenders and found Cyle Larin, who just had to put a foot on it to put it past Colorado keeper Clint Irwin.
Just three minutes later as the Lions continued to attack, Rivas made a run at the Rapids’ backline. Their focus was on Higuita with the ball, but Colorado had to respect the man who had just beaten them and shifted to defend his run. It opened the play up for Higuita’s ball to Kaká, who ripped a shot past a sprawling Irwin and inside the far post.
It was one week ago tonight that Rivas scored his first goal as a Lion – and then added another two. They were all from the penalty spot, but they were goals nevertheless. And they all proved crucial in the extra-time victory.
Getting the monkey of his first goal off his back re-energized Rivas and the momentum carried him into this game.
“I think tonight was one of the best whole performances he put together all season,” said Brek Shea. Shea’s nagging groin injury forced him off the field late in the first half and gave Rivas his opportunity.
“We all know he’s an unbelievable player. Tonight he showed what he can do. When you come right in a game like that and get the assist – unbelievable assist – it gives you confidence as a player and hopefully you can carry that into the next game.”
Often quiet with the media, Rivas was happy to speak to reporters after the game.
“[The crowd] always supports us if we’re winning or losing. They’re always there and we hope to take two or three points forward and move on to the next game.”
