Ring Sets the Tone for Orlando Opener

A fast start will be important for NYCFC in Orlando on Sunday, according to new midfielder Alex Ring.

The Finland international is one of 12 players vying for debuts in Florida and he believes that the team needs to do all it can to silence the party atmosphere in Orlando’s new stadium.

Ring is someone who has played on the highest stage for his nation in important FIFA World Cup qualifiers and is banking on this type of experience in the NYCFC ranks to carry them through.

The 25-year old impressed on his non-competitive debut against Sporting Kansas City and is primed for his first MLS minutes in this showdown with Jason Kreis’s side.

Reflecting on his first two weeks at the club, he told NYCFC.com: “It’s very nice – it’s been a good time and I’ve got to know my teammates better. I’m really happy.

“I’m looking forward to my first MLS game a lot – that’s why I’ve been working hard and that’s why I came here.

“It’s very important to start well, to get as many points as you can in the beginning and I think that our objective is always to go for the full three points.”

On the raucous crowd expected inside Orlando’s new 25,000 capacity stadium, Ring is not too concerned.

He believes there are enough players with top level experience on the roster and so feels that playing in hostile environments is nothing new.  

He said: “We shouldn’t care about the crowd – it’s normal at away games that the crowd is against you. It shouldn’t affect you. Everyone has the experience and I’m not worried.”

Ring also won’t be phased by the presence of former FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, Kaka.

Facing off against a team who are expected to go better than their eighth-place finish in 2016, Alex wants to focus on the whole Orlando City team, rather than their biggest name.

He added: “Kaka is one player for Orlando only. Of course he’s Kaka but I don’t really concentrate on the names. They have 11 players we’ll have to be ready for.”