ORLANDO – It was Cyle Larin’s goal. But the celebration after the opener in Orlando City SC’s 2-0 win Wednesday over the Colorado Rapids wasn’t centered around the young Canadian international.
Instead, the focus of the initial celebration was Colombian winger Carlos Rivas, a first-half substitute for the injured Brek Shea and something of a polarizing figure for fans of the first-year playoff hopefuls.
Rivas, 21, has made just three starts for the Lions, despite being brought in as a Designated Player alongside Kaká and Honduran international Bryan Rochez for Orlando’s debut MLS season.
His shoot-on-sight policy has not enamored him to too many Orlando followers, as some of his 27 shots have been more threatening to spectators than the opposing goalkeeper. Just seven of his efforts to date have been on target, and he has yet to score.
But a first full assist against the Rapids on his 14th appearance, 11 of them as a substitute, was enough to prompt some serious back slapping for Rivas – along with comparisons to FC Dallas’ young Colombian star Fabian Castillo.
“I think you’re seeing some of the same things that Fabian had when he moved to the league,” Orlando head coach Adrian Heath said. “For his first six or seven months, it was a bit of a struggle for him, but then he found his feet.
“Now, there is no one more dangerous in the league than he is, and I expect the same thing from Carlos.”
Rivas was also singled out for praise by many of his teammates, including Kaká.
“Carlos played very good,” the City captain said. “He made all the right decisions to put himself in the right position to create the goal. That was good to see.”
The beneficiary of the assist, Larin, was equally impressed by the left-winger, cashing in on Rivas’ defense splitting cross for his sixth goal of the season.
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“He is a great young player,” Larin said. “He is quick and can score and makes great runs. Once he gets more used to the league, his game will improve [even more].”
Shea, whose groin injury that will rule him out for at least the next two games set the table for Rivas’ insertion, also heaped on the praise.
“Carlos had a great game with making the runs he did and getting the assist,” Shea said. “To come right in to the game and make an assist was huge for the team.”
Heath was delighted that fans finally witnessed Rivas’ pace and sharpness, something the team sees on a regular basis in training. The Lions coach is also convinced there is a lot more to come, especially as there are growing signs Rivas could form a potent midfield combo with fellow Colombian 21-year-old Cristian Higuita.
“They really want to do well,” Heath added. “It has just taken one of them a bit longer to show what he can do. In the next few years, I really think they can go on to become two of the best players in this league.
“You don’t garner the interest that Carlos had gained in his time at Deportivo Cali – with various European teams keen to sign him – without having real talent. And he has real talent.”
