Red Bull New York forward Mijahir Jiménez vows to continue working hard after his headline-grabbing first career MLS start.
The 19-year-old Panama native scored a brace in the Red Bulls’ 3-2 victory over visiting Orlando City on Saturday and became the second player in team history to score twice in a first-career MLS start. Cornell Glen previously accomplished the feat on May 8, 2004.
“I’m going to keep working to get more opportunities,” Jiménez said following Saturday’s victory at Sports Illustrated Stadium. “I think the change is that here in the first team, it is a little more difficult. But I’m a hard worker who works day by day to be in the first team, whenever the coach needs me.”
Cowell, Forsberg Praise Young Forward
On Monday, Jiménez and winger Cade Cowell were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Match 19. Cowell is excited by Jiménez bringing a different set of qualities to the Red Bulls’ attack.
“With him, it’s a little bit different profile,” Cowell said. “He’s bigger, he can do more holding up in the play. His qualities are a little bit different than Jules [Hall]. I think he’s a great player. It’s great to have both of them in the team.”
Red Bull New York captain Emil Forsberg is impressed by Jiménez’s willingness to learn and apply himself in training.
“He’s a humble guy, working hard, listening,” Forsberg said. “So he has a bright future. Keep working hard, believing in yourself, believing in the group and what we’re doing, and good things will come.”
Wohlert Proud of Jiménez’s Development
Red Bull New York II head coach Dominik Wohlert praised Jiménez for thriving in the second team and earning his opportunity to shine at the MLS level.
“All credit to him,” Wohlert said. “Everyone in this club is trying to push these guys, trying to create an environment where they are able to take the next steps. In the end, it comes down to the player, and he must realize that it’s all up to him. The environment is there, and he has to take advantage of that.
“I’m really, really happy for him for his hard work for everything he puts in. Seeing then the big smile after him scoring — that’s fantastic, and that’s all we want to see.”
The Red Bulls will next face Atlanta United on August 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Between now and the trip to Atlanta, Jiménez will have the chance to keep impressing in first-team training and prove that he deserves to remain in Michael Bradley’s plans.
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