Jordy Alcívar helped Charlotte FC to back-to-back wins. Why he left Ecuador for MLS
Jordy Alcívar is one of two Ecuadorian midfielders on Charlotte FC’s roster. Alongside Alan Franco, the duo was instrumental to the Major League Soccer expansion team’s first home win two weeks ago.
While Franco missed last weekend’s match for World Cup qualifying with Ecuador’s men’s national team, Alcívar played a full 90 minutes for Charlotte FC and contributed to a second straight home win, 2-0 over FC Cincinnati.
Prior to Charlotte’s match at Philadelphia Union (7:30 p.m. Saturday), Alcívar spoke with The Observer about Charlotte FC’s recent momentum, his connection with Franco, his Ecuadorian national team hopes and more.
This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity. Answers were translated from Spanish with assistance from Charlotte FC communications coordinator Gwen Hernandez.
Alex Andrejev: You’ve had an early impact playing for Charlotte FC, with an assist against New England (during Charlotte’s first win). What have you seen work well for the team’s offense lately?
Jordy Alcívar: With the assist I had … I was happy I had the opportunity and I could take advantage of it. When it comes to the offense, we are united and have corrected mistakes in past games. I always say we are a united group and we will be there to support one another.
AA: You seem to really click with midfielder Alan Franco. Where does that connection come from and are you two close off the pitch? How well did you know each other before coming to Charlotte?
JA: Alan and I knew each other for years, but it’s not until now that we’re in the same club. We used to play for the Ecuador national team (U-23) together. And now playing with him, I feel comfortable with him, which helps us play well together.
AA: How do you feel about the possibility of getting called back to Ecuador’s men’s national team?
JA: I think it would be a very proud moment if I’m able to play for the national team. I’ve always said that. I went to the first few games, but I always say that everything happens for a reason and if they haven’t called me up, it is for a reason. If they do, I will be thrilled. I need to be realistic and know we all start from zero, and I respect any decisions.
AA: How would you describe Charlotte FC — the culture, the players, etc. — and how is it different from your prior club, LDU Quito?
JA: In my previous club, I learned many new things and gained experience. Now being in Charlotte, I love this team for all the great things they offer. They are very organized. It has allowed me to meet new players and learn how they play. When you go to a new team, it can be hard to learn the style of play and how your fellow teammates play can be very hard. So far, everything has been amazing here.
AA: How would you describe Miguel (Ángel Ramírez’s) coaching style?
JA: What he wants the most is for you to keep growing, train harder. To be honest with you, I like how he coaches, plays and works …As a player, I think it’s hard to unite the group, and he has done it in the best way possible. The way he treats me is how he treats everyone else. He doesn’t treat anyone differently, regardless if you’re playing or not, and I like that about him.
AA: Why did you decide to join Charlotte FC and MLS after so many years in Ecuador? What made you feel like this was the right next step?
JA: I wanted to leave the club I was at, not because it was bad, but because I wanted to learn new things, have a different experience. I also came because I wanted to play for Miguel. I always wanted to work for him when he told me he wanted me to come (to Charlotte).
AA: What are your favorite things to do around Charlotte? How do you and your family like the city so far?
JA: I like Charlotte because it’s a small, calm city. It’s very different being back in my country; you go out, and people are taking your picture. That doesn’t happen here. Here, you enjoy a comfortable life with your family and you’re not focusing on if someone will come up to you to tell you something. We haven’t been able to explore too much, because when I’m in season, I like to focus on the competition. I always say there will be time to go out and enjoy the city.
