MLS Colorado Rapids

Braian Galván Panenka Embodies "Self-Belief" of Argentine Winger, Team Hopes for Season Turnaround

Published on July 11, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


The Rapids were tied with FC Dallas 1-1 in the 62nd minute on Saturday. More than 18,000 fans watched anxiously and silently as midfielder Braian Galván stepped up to the spot to take a penalty kick.

The PK opportunity came after VAR determined that FC Dallas defender Sam Junqua committed a handball foul inside the 18-yard box.

While several Rapids players stepped up to the plate, Galván clung tightly to the ball, insisting to take the shot, an opportunity he had been waiting on for 18 long months. Gracefully, Galván executed a Panenka, chipping the ball right down the middle of the goal.

"I grabbed the ball and decided in the moment," Galván said. "The game was complicated, tied 1-1. It was at a stalemate. I felt like I had to calm the game down and this was the best way."

Head Coach Robin Fraser recognized the gutsiness of the decision on Saturday, applauding Galván's confidence to step up and finish a risky shot.

"In terms of the penalty kick, generally we have the players sort it out on the field themselves- guys who feel it, guys who have confidence for it-and as you can see tonight there were a number of people who wanted to take it," Fraser said. "(Galván) hasn't scored in a while and is just now getting back into it. To pull off a Panenka in front of a crowd like this in a tied game is a lot of self-belief."

The goal marks Galván's first of the season and first since Aug. 14, 2021. After a breakout season with four goal contributions and showcasing his cunning style of play, the Argentinian suffered a torn ACL and damage to his medial and lateral meniscus during the 2022 preseason, which benched him for the year. His first game back was the 2023 season opener against the Seattle Sounders, where he registered six minutes. Despite facing a few setbacks throughout the first half of the season, Galván's tenacity eventually helped him earn his first start of the 2023 campaign on May 20 against Real Salt Lake. Finally, this week, he seemed to hit his stride again.

"He's worked extremely hard, and he's had a couple of setbacks throughout the year and has just continued to work hard. I don't think there's anything that kid wants to do more than play soccer. For him to get himself healthy, and through his play, earn a position in the starting lineup, I think he was excited to play. He loves to play, wants to help the team, wants to score goals."

Galván's PK opportunity not only validated his efforts to get back to 100% but it also secured the Rapids first home win of the season at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. It's also the first three-point showing for Colorado since May 6, but with recent additions to the roster and the proverbial monkey off their back in terms of a home win, the Rapids can move forward into the second half of the season with confidence to build on.

"It's great. All my teammates are really happy," Galván said Saturday after the game. "What better way to do it than to do it at home. This gives us a little push forward to continue with confidence and build character, so we can play well on the field like we did today."

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 11, 2023


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