Carlos Rivas Hopes to Build Off First Goal Momentum

On Saturday, Orlando City took on the New England Revolution for the second time in three weeks. The competitive match ended with another 2-2 draw, thanks to a goal by Orlando City Midfielder Carlos Rivas in the 90th minute. The last-minute goal is Rivas’ first in Major League Soccer (MLS). 

“I saw it coming from the beginning,” Rivas said after the game. “I envisioned it happening. I’m really happy that I just got my first goal in MLS and I hope to continue this trajectory.” 

Rivas came on as a substitute for Darwin Ceren in the 80th minute. In those last ten minutes, Rivas found the back of the net and also had another shot on goal. Rivas’s energy and speed brings a lot to this Orlando City team, but he says that he will continue to play whatever role Head Coach Adrian Heath wants him to play. 

Highlights: Carlos Rivas' Late Equalizer

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“As a player, I’ll always respect the coach’s decision,” Rivas said. “As a player, you’re always going to want to be in and you’re always going to want to have your first foot forward, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what coach tells you to do.” 

While his role in the lineup is uncertain, Rivas’s performance certainly got Coach Heath’s attention. “Obviously I’ve been delighted with Carlos [Rivas]. He’s been really frustrated with the fact of his lack of playing time but that will no doubt do his confidence a lot of good.” 

While it has certainly been a frustrating couple of weeks for Orlando City, Rivas is satisfied with the point this week. “Coming into an environment like this and coming out with a point is always a great thing,” Rivas said. “At home, you try to go obviously for the win, but in this type of environment and the fact that we weren’t at home, we’ll take the point.”