Rivas grows into role with Orlando City

Orlando City Soccer Club knew what they were getting when they signed Carlos Rivas, it was just a matter of time.

After all, Rivas had some of the major teams in Europe watching him when he decided to sign a five-year deal with Orlando City.

"When these kids come from a different country, can't speak the language at 20, 21 years old, it's going to take him time," Orlando City coach Adrian Heath said. "It wasn't make or break the first few months of the five years. If we have to wait another three, four months, we're prepared to do that. I know what it's like to leave England and go play in Spain. I was 27, and it was not easy. He's taking his time. The kid has a lot of really good qualities."

Orlando City fans are beginning to see those qualities. Rivas came into Wednesday night's match against Colorado when Brek Shea had to leave in the 39th minute with a groin injury. And he gave the team a burst, using his speed to cause trouble for a Colorado defense that looked like it would make things tough on Orlando City.

"I think (Wednesday) was one of the best whole performances he put together all season," Shea said. "We all know he's an unbelievable player. (Wednesday), he showed what he can do. When you come right in a game like that and get the assist — unbelievable assist — it gives you confidence as a player, and hopefully you can carry that into the next game."

It was the first assist for Rivas, who has started three times this season but played in 14 games. With Shea out of the lineup for awhile, Rivas will be asked to step up even more.

"I was really pleased with him because he did some of the stuff we knew he could do," Heath said. "I just hope this is a start for him, that he can keep injury free. Everything is moving in the right direction."

Rivas will get the start tonight as the Lions host Columbus in a round of 16 game in the U.S. Open Cup. Game time is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at orlandocitysc.com

Tonight's game

Who: Orlando City vs. Columbus

What: U.S. Open Cup

Where: The Citrus Bowl, Orlando

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Tickets: Online at orlandocitysc.com

On the way up

Carlos Rivas played for three seasons for Deportivo Cali in the Colombian first division before coming to Orlando. He scored 12 goals in 29 appearances in his 2014 season in Colombia.

Source: Orlando City Soccer Club