Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley always believed that Jorge Ruvalcaba’s hard work and dedication would eventually pay off.
Since arriving from Mexican side Pumas UNAM, the 24-year-old winger had gone 495 minutes without scoring a goal or providing an assist through his first six career MLS matches.
That changed on Saturday when Ruvalcaba scored the opening goal against defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami in the 15th minute.
Ruvalcaba Opens His MLS Account Against MLS Cup Champions Inter Miami
After pacey teenage forward Julian Hall separated himself from two Miami defenders, an unmanned Ruvalcaba streaked into the box. Hall glided a pass which Ruvalcaba had no problem slotting into the bottom corner past reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair.
Ruvalcaba was active, elusive and engaged throughout the contest. Alongside Hall and fellow winger Cade Cowell, the attacking trio put Inter Miami under pressure with their pressing and incisive runs.
“We’re really happy with the progress that George continues to make,” Bradley stated after New York’s 2-2 draw against Inter Miami on Saturday. “Obviously, the goal is excellent. He continues to get better, continues to have a better understanding of how we want to play, of the demands of Major League Soccer.”
Promising Winger Growing Into His Role at Red Bull New York
It’s understandable why it took some time for Ruvalcaba to settle in with his new teammates and adjust to Bradley’s high-octane system after spending the last five years in Liga MX.
That said, even before his breakthrough against Inter Miami, his performances were improving week after week.
“For any new player coming to a new club, a new league, trying to quickly adapt, understand the environment, understand the games, he’s a really, really good guy. He’s so into it every day. He’s found a really good way to connect with so many of his teammates, and again, he continues to improve and continues to show his quality. We’re gonna continue to rely on him in a big way.”
Now that Ruvalcaba has opened his account and is playing with confidence to go along with his exceptional work rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if he racks up plenty of goals and assists.
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