Allan Cruz’s debut in a major international tournament couldn’t have started any better.
Cruz was named to Costa Rica’s 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup roster and started for the “Ticos” in their tournament opener against Nicaragua in San Jose, Costa Rica on June 16 – the first Gold Cup game played in the country.
But not only did Cruz start the match, he scored a world-class goal in the 75th minute, when he curled a first-touch effort into the net.
“The day that I scored the goal was a very important day for me,” Cruz said Tuesday via a translator. “Not only did I score the goal, but it was also my mom’s birthday and my family was there to see me play.
“I told her before the game if I scored it was going to be dedicated to her and my whole family. So, when I scored, it was a rush of emotions and I was glad I could dedicate it to her. I celebrated like I always do. My tattoo is the name of my mother, so when I score, she knows it’s for her.”
The Ticos were bounced from the Gold Cup last weekend when they lost to Mexico in a penalty shootout. As a result, Cruz and Kendall Waston, his club and country teammate, returned to FC Cincinnati on Sunday night and are available for selection ahead of Saturday night’s MLS match against the Houston Dynamo at Nippert Stadium.
Cruz is an available option for Interim Head Coach Yoann Damet and has two goals this season for the Orange and Blue.
