Contributors off the bench were key in the Rapids’ 2-2 draw at Charlotte FC this weekend. When midfielder Cole Bassett went down early in the 30th minute with an injury, 21-year-old Max was called on in his place.
Hailing from Juiz de Fora, Brazil, Max grew into the game with a shot opportunity late in the first half and getting involved defensively.
In the 54th minute, the Rapids drew blood first with a group effort, which included striker Diego Rubio finding Sam Nicholson in a line-breaking run. From there, Nicholson sent an impressive ball with the outside of his boot to Max, who found the back of the net with a composed finish.
“I’d like to thank God for the goal that I scored," Max said. “The win didn't come but thankfully it helped the team and we weren't playing as well, so it was good that I saw Sam go through the left and go down there and he was able to go into the second post and finish the goal.”
Not only did the goal give the Rapids a lead but it also marked Max’s first MLS goal since joining the league in early 2022.
While the language barrier has posed a challenge for Max in his early days with the Rapids, head coach Robin Fraser said he’s seen Max rise above the obstacle and grow into a better asset for the squad.
“I think he's matured quite a bit between last year and this year,” Fraser said. “As he's spent more time here, he's assimilated more. His understanding of English is better. I think all of that contributes to his understanding of his responsibilities on the field, and we're watching the maturation of a very, very talented young player. It’s exciting because as he gets better, we start to see real glimpses of how it can be.”
