Matheus Nascimento joined the Galaxy early in preseason training camp on loan from Brazil’s Botafogo.
The acclimation was slow, which was expected joining a new league in a new country, but as of late, the 21-year-old forward has found his groove, cementing himself in the Galaxy’s starting lineup.
Nascimento has started the last six games heading into Saturday’s meeting against D.C. United.
“I feel like he’s settling into the team, getting used to his teammates, getting a better understanding on both sides of the ball with an attack and defense as to what the roles are,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “And as he gets more comfortable with our league and our team and all those things, I feel like he’s out of that shell a little bit and obviously showing his quality through the course of these games.”
Nascimento scored his first MLS goal in a 3-3 draw against St. Louis CITY SC on June 14 and added his second in the Galaxy’s 3-0 win last Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“First of all, it’s an honor to be with the Galaxy,” Nascimento said through translation Saturday. “It’s the place that I would like to be and I’m glad that I’m here. My adaptation has been great. There’s a lot of Brazilians around and that helps me.
“Also, with the team and the whole coaching staff, they welcome me in, I felt like I was already part of the team for a long time. I’m so happy with the welcome they gave. We didn’t start the season the way we expected, but in the last games, I think we have shown we have been changing the perspective of people and also ourselves.”
Nascimento has leaned on fellow Brazilian Gabriel Pec and former Galaxy player Juninho, who now serves as special advisor to general manager Will Kuntz. The Galaxy (2-13-6, 12 points) will have an option to make Nascimento’s loan a permanent move after the season.
“When I got here, the team was already in place and I had to find my way through into the team,” Nascimento said. “I was not having many opportunities based on the way the coach was setting the team up in the beginning of the season.
“In Brazil, the game is very controlled and here it’s physical and I have to adapt myself into that. Day by day, I’ve been getting used to all that, and also playing gives me confidence and I have help on a daily basis. Also, my coach gives me all the confidence that I need to be in my best form. That’s definitely something that’s helped me a lot.”
Pair going to MLS Next All-Star Game
Two Galaxy Academy players – forward Max Steelman (16 years old) and midfielder Eddie Chadwick (15 years old) – were selected for the MLS Next All-Star Game. The game will be played July 21, two days before the MLS All-Star Game, both taking place in Austin, Texas.
D.C. UNITED at GALAXY
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Dignity Health Sports Park
How to watch: Apple TV+ (MLS Season Pass)
