It’s been quite the week for Mauricio Vargas.
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds goalkeeper made his first professional start in the USL for the Riverhounds against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Although the team lost 1-0, Vargas had a stellar match, saving eight out of nine shots. Only Jimmy McLaughlin’s shot in the 27’ minute was able to make it past Vargas.
Vargas’ eight saves were the most by a Riverhounds goalkeeper this season, and the most by a Riverhounds goalkeeper in the past three seasons. Vargas now has a save percentage of 88.9 percent.
Vargas said that being named to USL’s Team of the Week helps motivate him to work harder each and every week. As for his debut, Vargas said it was a dream come true.
“Making my debut was awesome,” Vargas said. “Since I was a kid, that’s what I dreamed about. The atmosphere was amazing, too. And I believe we had a good performance. I think we did a good job, it’s hard to see that because of course we are on a situation that we need points, but personally I think that we improved our game.”
Vargas, from Costa Rica, signed with the Riverhounds back in January. He started out the season as the second-string goalkeeper behind Hunter Gilstrap and above Brenden Alfery. However, now it’s looking like Vargas might continue as the starter, regulating Gilstrap to the bench. Despite the change in roles, Vargas still sees Gilstrap as a mentor to him.
“Hunter has made me grow as a goalkeeper,” Vargas said. “I think we’re all working hard, though. There’s only one goalkeeper, and we’re all working hard to be that one goalkeeper in the game. I’m ready for whatever the head coach wants me to do.
“My confidence is pretty high, and I’m ready all the time for what decision the coach takes and for what’s best for the team,” he continued. “I work hard every single day. Whatever decision the coach thinks is best for team, we have to respect that decision.”
Vargas will have the opportunity, if he is listed as the starting goalkeeper for the Riverhounds, to defend his net against the Lansdowne Bhoys FC team. The team will face LBFC as part of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night at Highmark Stadium. If Vargas continues his impressive run, he could again start in goal on Saturday night, again at Highmark Stadium, against Toronto FC II.
