FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Shortly after sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena arrived on the scene in mid-May, he laid down a challenge for Cristian Penilla.
Arena had seen what Penilla was capable of producing – the Ecuadoran had notched 12 goals and seven assists in his debut MLS season in 2018 – but after a slow start to his sophomore campaign with just one goal and zero assists through his first nine appearances, Arena wanted more.
“He can be (a contributor), but he’s got a way to go,” Arena said even after Penilla started to click with two goals and two assists in the first four games following Brad Friedel’s departure.