CHARLOTTE – This isn’t Charlotte FC striker, Daniel Ríos’s first rodeo when it comes to playing for an expansion side. Ríos was a part of Nashville SC’s expansion year and even scored their first-ever goal in MLS. He knows better than most the challenges involved in starting a team from scratch.
“As an expansion team it is difficult in the first season, mostly because most of the guys are new, everything on the team is new. It’s about adapting and knowing each other on the field, the final goal is to win games and win the championship.
“It’s an adaptation process we are in. We are all trying to understand each other, but that only comes with minutes on the pitch. Of course, if we can win games and earn points during this process, that’s the most ideal thing, but it’s part of the process. Learning how your teammates like to move and the way they play.
“We have been unlucky as a team, two penalties, 2 deflected goals, and a golazo, like come on. We have been playing well, but I’m sure it will come, but the closer we get as a team we will have more strength to win these games.”
Charlotte FC scored their first ever goal in history against rival Atlanta United this past weekend. Ríos believes that scoring that first goal was a huge confidence boost for the team leading into the game against the New England Revolution.
“Surely it makes us feel better, we know now that we can create those opportunities, we are playing in a way that we can be dangerous offensively speaking... Now we feel more confidence that we can do it and that we will do it against New England.”
Somone who has started the season in fine form has been goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, who has produced crucial saves in the opening games of the season.
“He’s a guy that I’ve been really impressed with, the last three matches he has played fantastic... We feel more confident knowing we have a goalkeeper like him in the back. The saves he made against Atlanta, Galaxy, and D.C were amazing. We need that type of player in goal.
Like Kahlina, Ríos is a player that is focused on doing whatever it takes to help the team win.
“I want to score goals, that’s what I want, I really want to score goals. But I want to help the team in any way I am able to. I’m the type of player that if I have to do defensive duties, or maybe make runs in behind and cross and not be the guy to score goals, I will do it.
“I will do anything to help the team win games and earn points. I’m here to help the team in any form, so if Miguel thinks he needs me in the start 11 or off the bench, I’ll be ready.”
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