Brisbane Roar’s big striker Reinaldo has admitted to relief after netting his first goal of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, saying it’s a sure sign of things to come.
After being fouled in the box by Melbourne Heart defender Dean Heffernan, Reinaldo took responsibility from the penalty spot to score Brisbane-s third on the night.
The newly naturalised Australian said the strike has given him extra confidence heading into the rest of the campaign and is hoping to add to his tally of 20 Brisbane Roar goals.
“I was feeling a bit sad because I hadn-t scored,” he said.
“When you and your teammates are playing well but you haven-t scored, you start to feel the pressure.
“I-m happy to get my first goal and now hopefully my goal scoring form is back and I can score more.”
Even with one goal to his name this campaign, Reinaldo-s big presence on the field has paid off for Brisbane in other ways.
The lanky striker-s hard work on the left wing resulted in Thomas Broich-s converted free kick against Adelaide United two weeks ago, and also played a role in fellow striker Kosta Barbarouses- winner against Wellington Phoenix in week three.
Reinaldo says his style of play is a reflection of his priorities on the field.
“Sometimes people don-t understand how you play,” he said.
“Sometimes you need to sacrifice for your other teammates and I always play like that.
“I look out for the team before myself.”
Hampered by injuries throughout the 2009/10 campaign, Reinaldo said his body has recovered well and he-s starting to find his rhythm in both training and on the playing field.
“I-m feeling very, very fresh now,” he said.
“It was my third 90 minute game and I-m starting to get my pace again and getting more confident to dribble.
“Everything is coming back slowly but I-m happy with the way I-m feeling and I know if I start to play well and play the way my coach wants me to play, I know the goals will come.”
Ahead of a long away trip to Perth Glory on the weekend, the 26-year-old said the key for success for the Roar was to convert their chances in front of goal right from the opening whistle.
“Perth have a good team, they are strong at home and have some really good players,” he said.
“We have to put them under pressure like we did with Melbourne Heart and attack and score goals.
“We need to make sure we score early, because when we score early, it-s hard to score against us.”
