Talles Magno hopes his first goal of 2023 will be the springboard to another season of success.
The Brazilian found the net in Saturday’s five-goal thriller against D.C. United, converting Braian Cufré’s cross to break the deadlock after just 17 minutes, finishing off a neat attacking move, and handing the Boys in Blue the advantage.
Reflecting on the strike – his 15th goal for the Club – the forward admits it was a relief to open his account early in the new campaign, on what was a special night for him personally.
Having already helped the City Boys to MLS Cup and Campeones Cup glory since making the move to New York in May 2021, the 20-year-old is eager to push on for more goals to propel the team to more silverware.
“I am very happy,” he said. “My family was here so I am happy to have scored in front of them, and I am really happy to score my first goal of the season.
“It was really big for my confidence. This would have been four games without a goal, but scoring that first goal really helps boost my confidence, and helps me keep going for the rest of the season.”
Asked of his thoughts on the game itself – an entertaining encounter in which City twice gained a two-goal lead and held on despite a late D.C. fightback – the striker was impressed with his side’s first half display, and hopes the squad can build on that level of performance going forward.
“The first half was very good for the team,” he declared. “We controlled the game very well.
“We were up two-nothing, and it was really good for the team to really control that first half, going into the second half, and dictate the rest of the game.”
Cufré, who crafted his first assist for the Club with Talles Magno’s opener, has enjoyed a fine start to life in Bronx Blue.
An off-season recruit, on loan from RCD Mallorca, the defender has started every game so far in 2023, completing the full game in our last three.
Demonstrating his attacking prowess, as well as his defensive solidity, the left-back has been an impressive addition, and was thrilled to have provided a significant contribution at the sharp end of the pitch.
“It was important for Talles Magno, it was also important for me,” he noted.
“It was a great play by the team. When I got a pass from Keaton [Parks], I felt the pressure from the [D.C.] defenders, and I had no other option other than putting a ball into the feet of Talles Magno, which he scored.
“I am happy for him, for me, and for the team for the victory.”
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