COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – For a sub, life is about making the most of the chances you get.
Quincy Amarikwa did just that in Colorado's 2-0 First Kick win over Columbus last weekend, blasting home a golazo in the 89th minute. After seizing that chance, the attacker hopes it means there’ll be more to come.
“I’m hoping so,” Amarikwa told MLSsoccer.com Wednesday, shortly after returning from a Rapids reserves game in Houston. “I’m trying to get the extra work before and after [training] and show the coaching staff that I want to play more, and you’ve got to sit back and take advantage of the opportunity when you get it.”
If last Saturday’s goal is anything to go off of, then Amarikwa may be primed for a spot in the starting lineup the rest of the season. With the Rapids clinging to a 1-0 lead, Amarikwa dribbled around just outside the penalty box, weaved his way between several Crew defenders, and fired between two yellow shirts to find the top corner from 20 yards out.
“[Saturday’s goal] is the best goal I’ve scored in MLS,” said Amarikwa.
It was the fourth of his five-year MLS career, which he’s mostly spent as a reserve. But perhaps even bigger than Amarikwa’s goal was his "dead fish" celebration, where he puckered in his lips, froze up and dropped to the ground, drawing laughter from his teammates, who then mobbed him immediately afterwards.
The 24-year-old Amarikwa credits his celebration as an invention from playing soccer video games with teammates, and says other celebrations could be coming soon, especially from fellow reserves.
“Ross [LaBauex] has a celebration planned,” Amarikwa discolsed. “We talk about stuff whenever we get the chance because our playing time is far and in between.”
Solecisms and celebrations aside, Amarikwa simply hopes his wonder goal can help him get on the field more in 2012.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed and we’ll see what happens,” he said.
GOAL: Amarikwa seals it from distance
