In 2012, Felipe was a revelation for the Impact.
The young Brazilian scored four goals and added 10 assists (to lead the team) in his first season in MLS and was talked about as one of the most exciting up-and-coming players in the league.
Despite putting up similar numbers in 2013 (5G, 8A), the 23-year-old felt he could have done more for his team.
“Last year, I had some good games and others not so good,” said the offensive midfielder. “I think the first year was more representative of how I play as I was more consistent.”
“When I heard the heartbeat of my son, it changed everything for me.”
- Felipe
Felipe started his sophomore campaign in 2013 nursing an injury and then halfway through the year, suffered from kidney stones… having to pass over 20 of them while continuing to play through the pain.
Feeling healthy this year, Felipe seems to have found the poise he had during his rookie campaign, inspired by the Impact’s new head coach Frank Klopas.
“I feel that the coach has confidence in me,” he added. “It changes a player’s outlook. I felt it from the first touch of the ball. Frank allows us to use our strengths and qualities.”
The support Felipe feels from his new manager is based on a belief that players need some room to be creative.
“It’s important that the coach instills confidence in his players,” said Klopas. “Felipe has to have a clear understanding of what we want from him and that’s our responsibility. He’s got a lot of talent and he needs the coach to believe in him. I think he’s going to have a good season this year.”
Klopas believes that Felipe still need to find the right moments to use his skills.
“He needs to learn to find the right moments to make the right decisions,” added Klopas. “He can beat players one on one and change the game when timed correctly. The most important thing is that he’s feeling good physically.”
“Frank [Klopas] allows us to use our strengths and qualities ”
- Felipe
With a baby on the way this summer, Felipe feels that he’s matured as well, which can only help him be a leader despite his young age.
“When I heard the heartbeat of my son, it changed everything for me,” he said. “I am not playing a sport for me anymore, but I am running for three people now, to feed and support them. It makes me want to be even better on the field.”
