The MLS NEXT Pro season is off and running, and no one had a hotter start than Marcus Caldeira, your MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek. The University of West Virginia product bagged himself a first-half hat trick in his first professional match, firing the Loons to a 4-2 season-opening win against Austin FC II. All three of his goals showcased his natural striker instincts, making for quite the Black and Blue debut.
Caldeira opened his account in the third minute of action, getting on the end of a loose ball after midfielder Momoh Kamara poked the ball away from the opposition at the top of the box. The first finish of the night found the bottom left corner, leaving the keeper no chance. His second was equally opportunistic, with Caldeira getting free of his man in the 21st minute and firing a shot into the side-netting on the far post.
With the Twos already up 2-0, Darius Randell earned his side a penalty in the 39th minute, which Caldeira once again slotted into the bottom left corner to secure his impressive hat trick. His goal haul was the fourth-ever hat trick scored in an MNUFC2 game, and his opening goal is tied for the second-fastest goal in MNUFC2 history. All in all, not a bad way to start your life as a Loon.
Keep an eye on Caldeira as he continues his rookie season. His appetite for goals is already turning heads; let’s see what comes next. Congrats on the impressive debut, Marcus!
