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USL Austin Bold FC

Welcome to the Bold Familia, Cristian Ortiz

August 26, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Bold FC News Release


Austin, TX - The Bold Familia keeps growing with the addition of Cristian Ortiz. The midfielder joined Austin from Mexican giants Chivas de Guadalajara and made his first appearance off the bench in The Bold's 2-3 victory against RGV FC Toros.

Ortiz joined Chivas in 2013, where he progressed through the club's U15, U17, and U20 youth teams. In 2019, Ortiz made five appearances while on loan with Ascenso MX club Atlético Zacatepec. The midfielder made his senior team debut starting for Los Rojiblancos in 2020 in a Copa MX match against Dorados de Sinaloa.

After his debut for The Bold, we caught up with Ortiz to talk about his arrival in Austin, and his time at one of the most prestigious clubs in soccer.

Welcome to The Bold! This is the first time you've played outside of Mexico in your career. Why did you decide that now was the right time to make that change?

This is the first time I've left Mexico to play for another team. I decided to make this change to seek a new challenge, create a new opportunity. And better myself. Being at Chivas gave me the maturity and the necessary knowledge to start fresh here and do great things.

During your time in training and last weekend's game, what have you seen from the team that got you excited about playing for The Bold?

It's a very dynamic team with a lot of heart and a lot of desire to always fight to be at the top. I'm enthusiastic about the way the team works and the desire to always push.

How have you adapted to the team? Does having a fellow former Chivas player (Xavi Baez) here help with the transition?

Very good! This team is very supportive and like a family. They are always looking to help you. Xavi is someone with a great and admirable career. Every day you can learn something new from him both on and off the field. He helped me settle in here and adapt more quickly with his knowledge and advice.

The Chivas academy has produced so many great players in its time. What have you learned there that you will bring to The Bold?

My time with Chivas was something very big. I think that apart from developing you as a footballer, they develop you as a person for your life. I would say, they give you all the tools you need. Now I bring my experience and my talent that I learned at Chivas to The Bold to achieve great things, both personally and as a group. And of course, bring great joy to the fans.

What would you tell the club's supporters about what you want to accomplish here in Austin?

I came to give my best effort and sacrifice. I want to win championships and be a benchmark for the team, always setting a good example. I have in mind to put The Bold at the top of the league together with the help of my teammates.

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