Wilfrid Kaptoum gets confidence boost from 1st MLS goal

Wilfrid Kaptoum’s New England Revolution career didn’t get off to the best start, but the midfielder appears to finally be finding his footing as the postseason inches closer.

With all the hype over his time at Barcelona and La Liga, Kaptoum seemed like a surefire starter for New England. That wasn’t the case for the Cameroonian.

Kaptoum struggled due to injuries and simply adjusting to playing in the MLS. He wasn’t in the starting XI and fans were starting to wonder (and declare) that he was a bust.

But as of late Kaptoum has been looking better and better. He still has some way to go but it’s clear that he feels much more at home in MLS.

On Saturday night, all of the 25-year-olds hard work this season paid off as he scored the first MLS goal of his career. After the match, he talked about the excitement he felt getting his first goal in New England.

“I felt very happy,” he said. “That’s how I felt, scoring it at home in front of our fans and our supporters. I felt very grateful for it, especially for all the happiness and that my teammates showed and that kind of helped me throughout the game.”

Revolution head coach Bruce Arena was also pleased with the performance of the midfielder.

“He’s getting better,” said Arena. He still has to pick it up. He’s not used to the tempo of the game in this league. He’s got to pick it up a little bit more, but he’s getting better.”

This is just the right time for Kaptoum to find his footing. With the playoffs getting closer and closer, New England will need to have depth if they want to win an MLS Cup.

The 25-year-old hopes the goal will help him moving forward.

“The goal gives me confidence to continue improving and help the team as best I can,” said Kaptoum. I hope to reach that point and continue to help the team.”

With New England’s next game just a day away, if Arena chooses to start Kaptoum again it would give the midfielder a chance to build some momentum. Revolution fans will just have to wait and see what the staring XI looks like on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.