Q&A with Puerto Rico FC forward Sidney Rivera

Striker Sidney Rivera is a young man with the self-discipline and ambition to match his on-field talent. Puerto Rico FC/NASL

After toiling at stops at Orlando City SC and Louisville City FC, Puerto Rico FC striker Sidney Rivera started coming into his own last season. The 23-year-old front man netted three goals across 16 regular season appearances — just nine of which were starts — for PRFC in 2016, and showed the promise that made him a fourth-round selection in the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

Soc Takes recently caught up with Rivera to discuss everything from his childhood to his offseason regimen.

Nipun Chopra: What was your reaction to the earlier news that PRFC would not be playing in the CFU Championship?

Sidney Rivera: Well, within the guys I spoke to, there was a feeling of deflation. The whole thing from last season was to qualify for this. It is really hard to qualify for the Champions League, and we were excited about the chance. Then, when it sounded like things had gone wrong, we all felt our efforts meant nothing. We’re glad it’s all worked out and we’re ready to go.

NC: As a Staten Island boy, how difficult was it to move across and join a club in Puerto Rico?

SR: Well, my parents are immigrants. I was born and raised in US, but I have grown up with culture. My dad is from Colombia and my mother moved to Portugal when she was a teenager. [Author’s note: Rivera’s mother was in the car for the first part of this interview, and it was clear how much of a close bond Rivera has with his family]. She moved to the States when she was 16. I have lived with and known people from all walks of life, and all different cultures. The people of Puerto Rico have been great, and I love being here.

Like many Latin American societies, it’s a family atmosphere with our fans. When we are winning, things are great. And when we are losing, they want to know why. They care and they are passionate.

NC: Did you keep up with your fitness program over the summer?

SR: Of course. When you get something from the club, it’s generalized. I was given exercises to do. My dad created an additional program on top of that. I’ve kept fairly busy off season; haven’t seen too many friends.

NC: Do you worry about burnout? Surely you need to see friends and unwind during the offseason?

SR: Well, yeah, but I’m investing in myself to be a better player/person. I want to make a good career. I see myself in NASL/MLS/national team in the future. I’m ambitious.

And I feel these are the sacrifices I need to make, and I’m happy to make them.

“For the NASL season, I want to lead the team in goals and make the playoffs. But really I want to put the island on a pedestal and showcase the quality of football.”

NC: What are your personal goals for the season?

SR: For CFU, I want to win our group and then later qualify for the Champions League. I want to be the top scorer in the group.

For the NASL season, I want to lead the team in goals and make the playoffs. But really I want to put the island on a pedestal and showcase the quality of football.

NC: Who are some players you watch?

SR: I learned a lot from Kaka when he was in Orlando. In the league, I really like (Eamon) Zayed, (Justin) Braun and (Chris) Ramirez. I am trying to be a more complete striker this year – focus on my hold-up play, as well as work on my movement and finishing. I feel that I need to also take more shots on goal, and that involves getting into good spaces to get the ball.

Rivera (right) celebrates scoring a goal with his teammates in the 2016 season finale. Puerto Rico FC/NASL

NC: Is it difficult working with Adrian (Whitbread)? I know he can be a demanding coach.

SR: He’s very good with us. He wants to attack and gives us freedom. He’s also good at building team spirit. We’re going into this 2nd year with a huge core coming back and lots of team chemistry. He can be strict in how he wants to defend and press in midfield. But, he’s very friendly and upbeat as a person, too.

NC: What about your teammates? Do you feel at home in the locker room?

SR: Oh yeah, I relate to a lot of guys. I’m very close to Tyler Rudy; he and I played against each other in college. All the Latin guys are a good time. Trevor (Spangelberg) has good banter. Brian (Bement) is a clown. We have good camaraderie with a group from different backgrounds.

NC: Thanks and good luck, Sidney!

SR: Thanks, Nipun.

You can follow Nipun on Twitter @NipunChopra7.