Against the LA Galaxy midfielder Carlos Rivas nearly had two mind-blowing goals.
In the 5th minute, a Rivas free kick bounced off the ground and ricocheted off both goal posts. In the 18th minute, Rivas kicked a curler from outside the penalty box that Galaxy’s goalkeeper barely tipped, causing the ball to bounce of the inside of the right cross bar. The near goals were spectacular, putting Orlando City fans on their feet and chanting his name.
“It makes me extremely happy because they used to do the same thing in Colombia, but never
with the same excitement as they do here, “Rivas responded to the chants. “I feel that the fans really appreciate and support me and that is really important.”
Rivas still awaits his first goal of the season but already has two assists through five games. He has assisted forward Cyle Larin on two goals. Against the Philadelphia Union, Rivas sent an incredible cross that Larin proceed to tap in for a goal.
“He [Carlos Rivas] causes defenders problems and he opens up space for me,” Larin said. “I think he will get a goal if he keeps working. I train with him. We’ll work on it.”
Head coach Jason Kreis said that Rivas has not had the easy chances in front of the goal and that most of his shots have come from distance.
“He’s playing a lot of excellent passes for the players around him so his role on the team is very vital, he’s been a top performer from my point of view,” Kreis said. “He doesn’t have a goal, I would love him to have one, I’m sure he would love to have one as well. But if he continues to work hard and make all those other plays for us, we’ll be just fine.”
Kreis and Larin are confident that Rivas, who scored three goals last season in 799 minutes will find another one soon.
“They tell me I have to play well every game,” Rivas said. The same effort I put into training, I do so at the games. So, the goal will come when we least expect it.”
