Union matchwinner Glavinovich speaks on scoring first goal, facing Messi and Miami, and his new team

Only a handful of soccer players get the privilege of scoring their first goal for a team in their first start. And then, that number becomes even fewer when you take only defenders into account. Philadelphia Union loanee Ian Glavinovich, luxuriating in the feeling of being one of the lucky few, shared his thoughts on his goal, the Union, and the next game against Miami.

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Glavinovich bags first Union goal

The moment came for Glavinovich on Sunday at the Subaru Park when he headed in a well-taken corner from Kai Wagner in the eighth minute. His goal was enough to give the Union their fourth win of the season, as he got the Player of the Match Award while also ensuring the team had a clean sheet.

It was more than a goal for Glavinovich, whose only other professional goal came in the third division while playing for a reserve team. Following the goal was a celebration displayed in grand Argentine style.

“As a professional, I only have one goal in reserves in the third division,” Glavinovich said via wfmz.com. “This one means a lot to me.”

“I had that celebration planned by a friend of mine who suggested I do it, and well, I remembered it. The dancing and all, it’s also part of the Argentine style and culture.”

A team-first mindset

He then took the spotlight away from himself, appreciating the team’s performance against St. Louis despite the absence of some key players. Rather than use this to excuse their poor performance, the remaining players chose to find motivation instead.

“The team as a whole was the most important thing. Not having all the starters also motivates those who can’t get on the field, those who aren’t playing. It motivates them to play and show themselves, which is the most important thing. That’s what soccer is all about getting another chance,” Glavinovich said.

A chance to play against an idol

Moving on to the next match, the Union faces Inter Miami, which means Glavinovich gets to meet Argentine star Lionel Messi. Though there have been reports of him missing the game due to injury, that didn’t stop the 23-year-old Argentine from waxing lyrical about his countryman.

“He’s a very good person. Obviously, as a footballer and an athlete, he’s very humble. That’s what identifies all of us, I think — not just Argentinians,” he said.

“The first time I greeted him in person, I didn’t know what was happening to me,” he recalled. “It was crazy; I had goosebumps. Honestly, it was pretty funny afterward because I was so excited”

Philadelphia Union could face Messi-less Miami in top of the table clash

Talking about the game, he claimed the match at Chase Stadium will be as competitive as expected, seeing the roster Miami has put together. Specifically, he perceives the game as a “South American encounter,” as Miami is packed with a good number of South American players. However, he revealed a major strategy that could hand the Union the victory over Miami: getting one more goal than the opponent.