PANJIM: On March 15, 2022 when a youthful US National team played against Argentina in an international football friendly, it was a special and emotional moment for plenty of immigrants across the world.
Plenty of WhatsApp messages were being circulated among the first generation Goan immigrants from different countries and Egídio Moniz couldn’t hide his emotions to stake claim of his nephew — Riley Dalgado’s representation in the U-17 US football team which is preparing for U-17 World Cup to be held in Peru in 2023.
Riley Dalgado, son of Goan immigrants, is learnt to be the first player of Goan origin to make it to the US U-17 National team.
“This is an emotional moment. We celebrated in a big style and since this is the first time we have someone playing in the US National team,” stated Moniz, uncle of Riley now settled in Brazil.
Riley’s parents — moved to the US in 1993. His mother Jeanette Moniz (originally from Curtorim) migrated first in 1990 before taking her husband Ronnie Dalgado (from Bardez) in 1993. Ronnie and Jeanette both met in Bombay where they were studying before flying to the US.
Riley started playing soccer at the age of six in the American Youth Soccer organisation. At eight, he joined South Bay LA Galaxy, a subdivision of LA Galaxy and at age 11 he was scouted and tried out with 400 other boys for 20 spots on the under-12 LA Galaxy academy team. Of those 20 boys, only Riley and another are in the academy today.
“Riley is a left footed left back with immense speed, knowledge of the game, and makes right decisions under pressure. He leads the team in assists and at this age he has already played teams of calibre such as, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Manchester City, Tigres, Club America, Shanghai FC, and many more international teams,” stated Ronnie, who himself was a sports person back in India.
Riley’s father described his son’s most precious moment was when Zlatan Ibrahimovic watched Riley play against a rival team and singled him out after the game to give him one-on-one coaching and tips on what he could have done differently.
Like any other aspiring footballer across the world, Riley is a huge fan of Lionel Messi because although he has fame and fortune, he is always humble and a very respected person and family man. But he desires to play in the Premier League someday. If he does so, he can be the first Goan origin player to do so.
“At the moment, I am blessed and humbled about the situation. Honestly this is all new and emotional. Three months ago, we didn’t have this conversation, I don’t know how it will be six months later, but I will go in a direction which is comfortable with him. Getting in the PL will be on his bucket list. We owe a lot to La Galaxy. They have invested a lot in Riley,” acknowledged Ronnie, who also got a daughter Chelsea.
The Dalgado family isn’t new to such fame. Ronnie was a prominent footballer and athlete being State champion in athletics. However, Ronnie’s uncle Peter Dalgado represented Kenya in hockey in the Olympics. However, as a father, seeing his son sport the US national team colours was the most special moment and recognition his family has earned.
“I am so proud of this child; I couldn’t dream of having played for my country. But despite achieving this feat, he always keeps his head down and does what he is supposed to do. He is very humble,” stated Ronnie.
For the Dalgados, the US needs to get bigger, better and faster every year. “England won it in India and France claimed in later; now we need to win it next,” stated Ronnie.
Riley, who is well built weighing 135 pounds with a 5.9’ height, has been approached by three global agents. “We are waiting for some time. This is just a beginning and a start to his career. We need time of 3-6 months. We will chose the agency which best suits him.”
Riley’s news wasn’t much known in Goa, and when we contacted AIFF, former general secretary Albert Colaco said he was jubilant about the news and said, “Riley representing US is an inspiration for all Goan players for our players to fight and work hard to get into Indian National youth team.”
The team is preparing for its return to international competition after the 2021 Concacaf U-17 Championship and 2021 FIFA U-17 World Cup were cancelled due to the global health pandemic.
