Cristiano Oliveira Happy To Be Back On The Scoresheet
Hear what the midfielder had to say after finding the lone goal in Monday's win over Huntsville.
Cristiano Oliveira had a performance to remember on Monday as the 17-year-old midfielder found the back of the net just before halftime, which was the only goal of the match and led New England to a crucial 1-0 victory over a tough Huntsville side.
2025 has seen Oliveira develop at a rapid pace. After starting the year with Revs II, he got his first taste of action with the first team during the club’s Open Cup run. A run that saw Oliveira net the game-winning goal over Rhode Island FC in the Round of 32! He also started and clocked 75 minutes in New England’s 3-1 loss to Chicago in the Round of 16.
When asked about his meteoric rise, Oliveira admitted he had been thinking about it a few days ago. He went on to praise the club for everything they’ve done to help him along the way.
“I came here as a 14-year-old, and this club has done everything for me,” he said. “From allowing me to play against the best to paying for my hotels and flights, everything. It’s been a journey.”
Richie Williams had nothing but praise for the young midfielder. Williams highlighted how Oliveira has done well with a recent adjustment to his positioning.
“We’ve been playing him as an 8 in the middle part of the field,” the head coach said. “He’s been very good with the ball. He’s obviously shown he can create opportunities, create goals, score goals, and we’ve been working with him in terms of how he can be a better defender.”