It's been a year of new experiences for Luca Langoni, and he's taken to them well.
Langoni, who is in his third season with the New England Revolution, is tied with Maxi Morales for second-most assists in the league. Two of these have come from free kicks and one from a corner.
Surprisingly, Langoni hasn't taken many set pieces in the past, though he did admit he picked up some tips by watching his former teammates at Boca Juniors.
"I actually had not taken them earlier in my career, but it's a fruit of the labor," Langoni said via a translator. "We work on those things during the week and training with Marc [Orti-Esteban], Carles [Gil], and Griffin [Yow], and we try to improve on ball-stoppage situations and everything.”
Off the field, Langoni and his wife welcomed their first child during the off-season. He called it the best moment of his life in an interview with RevolutionSoccer.net.
The normal baby struggles, including sleepless nights and fussy eating, have done little to change how Langoni feels. The mere mention of Amelia brought a smile to his face.
"It's a big change for me and it's a nice motivation, having my daughter," Langoni said. "It motivates me in training, and it motivates me in my day-to-day. So, it's a beautiful thing."
With six goal contributions in 310 minutes, it's been a good start to the year for the 24-year-old. The regular minutes under a coach who has been looking to maximize his strengths have proven to be beneficial.
The aim is to continue growing as the season progresses.
"It's the confidence; that's what's helped me start this season well," Langoni said. "But then also the support of my teammates, the group, and the [coaching] staff. They've all been so great to me, so I feel really good."
