Talles Magno: “I put a lot of pressure on myself, more than others.” (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

By Michael Lewis

FrontRowsoccer.com Editor

Talles Magno has some great expectations, not only of his team, but of himself, as well.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself, more than others,” he said. “Sometimes it helps, sometimes it hurts.”

After scoring his first goal of the season in New York City FC’s 4-1 triumph over CF Montreal in its home opener at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Magno can’t be hurting at all.

In fact, Magno was satisfied as he was named man of the match.

“I am very happy to have won man of the match and to have scored my first goal at Yankee Stadium,” he said. “It brings me a lot of happiness because of all the work that has been putting in. I feel like I have been growing and developing as a player, getting goals, assists and helping the team in any way possible.”

In 2021, NYCFC acquired the 19-year-old forward as a Young Designated Player. Despite his great potential, Magno saw but 444 minutes of action over five starts and 15 games. He scored two goals.

As a regular this season, much is expected of him. Magno, who has started all three MLS matches this season, had a goal and an assist on Saturday. After setting Alexander Callens’ opening goal in the seventh minute, Magno headed in Andres Jasson’s right-wing cross, which gave the hosts some breathing room at 3-1 in the 64th minute.

“We gave it our all in today’s game and I feel like a little more pressure was on me, being that I haven’t scored a goal in three games,” he said. “It’s hard to score goals and get assists but as long as I stay dedicated to my craft, the goals and assists will come. I will gain more confidence as the season progresses. I am looking forward to seeing what we do together as a team this season.”

So is head coach Ronny Deila, who felt the Brazilian could have celebrated a few more goals.

“I think Talles was good today,” he said. “He could of scored more. So again he has to keep working on his finishing. Fantastic goal he scored today as well.”