There's no better forward for Carlos Rivas to learn from than current teammate Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Head Coach Jesse Marsch said Rivas, who came over from Orlando City SC with Tommy Redding in return for Sacha Kljestan, is eager and excited to join the club.
"He’s ready to learn, he’s come in with an open mind," Marsch said. "We’re trying to engage him in a big way and provide him with certain information but, more than anything, let him know right now that there’s a process in place and not to worry too much about 'Is it going well?'"
Rivas, 23, hails from Jamundi, Valle, Colombia and has played in MLS for three seasons after coming in as one of the team’s first Designated Players when Orlando entered the league in 2015.
"Just to commit to it every day, and that we will help him to understand how to get better and grow," Marsch said.
Through 42 starts and 78 total appearances for Orlando, Rivas scored eight goals (5 in 2017), along with 13 assists, over 4,131 minutes played.
"I know it’s a great team," Rivas said through a translator. "If they brought me here, it’s because they saw something in me. I hope to give everything from my side and give 100 percent."
Marsch said Rivas should really "invest in that relationship" with the Red Bulls' all-time leading scorer, BWP.
"[Rivas is] lucky to play with a guy like that and someone who knows our system, but who’s also very humble, is committed to the team, is in all ways a great man," Marsch said. "I can’t think of a better way for a young striker to grow than to be around Brad."
"I will try to pass down any wisdom I've learned," Wright-Phillips said. "Any way I can help, I will."
Rivas led OCSC in shots with 76 in 2017. The next closest player finished the season with 55.
"I know he is a great person," Rivas said of BWP. "I know the knowledge he has is going to help me grow, as a soccer player and as a person."
"On all ends, I think this is a good place for Carlos," Marsch said. "We’ll help him get better every day.”
