GLENDALE, Ariz. – Representing one’s country on the international level is perhaps the greatest honor there is for many soccer players, and Joaquín Rivas certainly impressed with the eyes of the world watching on Saturday night.
Despite El Salvador being eliminated by the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Rivas put in a performance sure to make 6.5 million Salvadorians, as well as FC Tulsa fans everywhere, very proud. Rivas appeared in all four matches for "La Selecta" during its Quarterfinal run, starting three and scoring thrice.
Rivas was subbed on late in El Salvador’s first matchup against Guatemala and made an instant impact, scoring the all-important second goal with a brilliant left-footed finish in stoppage time to secure the 2-0 victory.
To cap off his 2021 Gold Cup run, Rivas scored twice in El Salvador’s final matchup with Qatar in the Quarterfinals. Showing off his finesse and mental awareness, Rivas guided in two goals within 180 seconds of each other in the 63’ and 66’ minutes. Just six minutes after scoring his second, Rivas had his potential third goal disallowed for offside. Well past the 90-minute mark, a hat trick evaded Rivas once again as his shot was denied by the Qatar keeper.
FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien took notice of his forward’s international performance, both on and off the ball, following FC Tulsa's match on Saturday night against Memphis 901 FC.
“I noticed he was making good movements. They weren’t really finding him as much as they probably could have, but you can tell he’s finding pockets of space,” said Nsien. “He is definitely able to execute in front of the goal. I am happy for him; it will be a good experience, and we want that brought back to FC Tulsa to help us go forward.”
Rivas’ performance in the Gold Cup was certainly spectacular, but the forward has shined just as bright in the FC Tulsa gold-accented kit this season. In just seven appearances, Rivas has netted five goals for the club. Now, Rivas can bring his scoring form back for Tulsa as it continues its quest for a USL Championship Playoffs spot.
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Representing one’s country on the international level is perhaps the greatest honor there is for many soccer players, and Joaquín Rivas certainly impressed with the eyes of the world watching on Saturday night.
Despite El Salvador being eliminated by the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Rivas put in a performance sure to make 6.5 million Salvadorians, as well as FC Tulsa fans everywhere, very proud. Rivas appeared in all four matches for “La Selecta” during its Quarterfinal run, starting three and scoring thrice.
Rivas was subbed on late in El Salvador’s first matchup against Guatemala and made an instant impact, scoring the all-important second goal with a brilliant left-footed finish in stoppage time to secure the 2-0 victory.
To cap off his 2021 Gold Cup run, Rivas scored twice in El Salvador’s final matchup with Qatar in the Quarterfinals. Showing off his finesse and mental awareness, Rivas guided in two goals within 180 seconds of each other in the 63’ and 66’ minutes. Just six minutes after scoring his second, Rivas had his potential third goal disallowed for offside. Well past the 90-minute mark, a hat trick evaded Rivas once again as his shot was denied by the Qatar keeper.
FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien took notice of his forward’s international performance, both on and off the ball, following FC Tulsa’s match on Saturday night against Memphis 901 FC.
“I noticed he was making good movements. They weren’t really finding him as much as they probably could have, but you can tell he’s finding pockets of space,” said Nsien. “He is definitely able to execute in front of the goal. I am happy for him; it will be a good experience, and we want that brought back to FC Tulsa to help us go forward.”
Rivas’ performance in the Gold Cup was certainly spectacular, but the forward has shined just as bright in the FC Tulsa gold-accented kit this season. In just seven appearances, Rivas has netted five goals for the club. Now, Rivas can bring his scoring form back for Tulsa as it continues its quest for a USL Championship Playoffs spot.
