Please enjoy João Pedro's very first #LAGalaxy goal in sweet, sweet slo-mo. ✨ pic.twitter.com/SOJ8okC2Qp
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 31, 2017
CARSON, Calif. – João Pedro only had one word on his mind when asked about his first career goal for the LA Galaxy.
“Finally.”
The Portuguese midfielder exclaimed with a 10,000-volt smile splashed on his face when describing his tally that helped spark the Galaxy’s 4-2 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes last Saturday. After coming so agonizingly close to finding the back of the net in recent weeks, Pedro found the back of the net with a close-range finish in the first half and following the match; he couldn’t hide his excitement.
“I am happy, I’m so happy,” Pedro told reporters in San Jose. “It was my first goal after a few attempts and some posts and things like that, so I am very happy and happy for the three points.”
The goal capped off what has been a brilliant string of games for the Portuguese midfielder. After struggling to adapt to the rigor and pace of Major League Soccer, Pedro has found a place as a two-way threat in the Galaxy midfield.
Against San Jose, Pedro was dominant, completing all 36 of his total passes, while also making four interceptions, three recoveries, and a vital clearance in the closing minutes. As he continues to find his form, Pedro credits his ability to block out the negativity and concentrate on the task at hand as the reason for his turnaround.
“Honestly I don’t read blogs or anything people say; I just focus on my work. Soccer players are always under a lot of pressure and a lot of critics. We can't be good to everyone,” Pedro said. “We have to have haters to improve. That is the thinking of being a soccer player. I don't hear anything; I just focus on my work.
“Every player when switching a league or a country takes his time to adjust, and that happens. I will have some bad games; all players have bad games. Now I’m more capable of facing the difficulties."
