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Unexpected Hero Robert Baggio Kcira Growing Into Impact Player For Miami FC

The 23-year-old played just 20 minutes last season, but has started every game so far in 2017
Matthew Levine (@NASLInsider} | Apr 25, 2017

Photo credit: Orovio Photography/Miami FC

A player named Baggio scoring a goal is a familiar refrain for Italian soccer fans. Miami FC coach Alessandro Nesta saw it first-hand as Roberto Baggio was a stalwart in Serie A and the Italian national team throughout the 90s.

Miami FC will hope to continue to see the performances from their own Baggio, Robert Baggio Kcira, who is actually of Albanian descent. The 23-year-old scored the game-tying goal in 95th minute to help Miami earn a point in the 1-1 draw with North Carolina FC.

It hasn’t just been Kcira’s timely goal, but he has had a meteoric rise in the squad. He appeared in just three matches in 2016, totaling 20 minutes. Kcira has started all four of Miami’s contests this year, playing all but one minute. Not to mention, he has changed his position, going from an attacking player to the club’s starting left back.

“One day in training coach put me at left back because of the injuries we’ve had this year,” Kcira told NASL.com. “I played left back and he liked me there. He asked me how I liked it and I didn’t mind it. Since then, he’s put me at left back. It’s a good position. I’m learning a lot and Nesta is a teacher to me. It’s getting easier and easier because he’s a good mentor.

“He’s always giving me confidence and encouraging me. That’s what helps.”

Nesta, a legendary defender in his own right, had plenty of praise for Kcira’s progress to start the year.

“He’s a very important player for us, probably now more than ever,” he said. “Before the season started we were looking for a fullback and we found him right at home. He’s a key player on the field for us and I’m very proud of him.”

The biggest transition still for Kcira, though, is curbing his attacking instincts to maintain his defensive responsibilities.

“I’m always thinking about going forward,” he said. “I have to remind myself I have to stay back because I’m a left back.”

Kcira currently leads the NASL in touches (180), and he is first on Miami in duels won (14). Against North Carolina FC, he won eight of his 10 duels while winning three tackles. It was his attacking mindset that proved pivotal in the dying moments of the contest.

“It was the last minute so I looked at the clock and just wanted to go up,” Kcira said. “I wanted us to tie, I wanted us to create an opportunity.

“I wasn’t thinking about defense at all at that moment.”

With Poku on the ball, Kcira bombed down the left flank and when the ball was played into Vincenzo Rennella’s feet in the box, he was in the right position to receive a pass from the striker. He then took a touch and found the back of the net from a tight angle with his next one, spoiling a truly impressive performance by North Carolina FC goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre, who had made eight saves and looked destined for a clean sheet up until that point.

“It felt good,” Kcira said. “It was a special moment for me.”

As one of the younger members of the squad, Kcira noted he has learned a lot from the veteran guys, including goalkeeper Daniel Vega and midfielder Richie Ryan, who help lift him up when needed. It was only fitting that Ryan was in the mix of the celebration.


Now, Miami FC hosts FC Edmonton on Saturday as the youngster looks to continue to make his mark on the club’s back line.
 
“Next game is going to be a test,” Kcira said. “I just have to keep training and listening to my coach.”
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