In his first season as NYCFC's first ever manager, Jason Kreis brought some players from his former club Real Salt Lake.

Among the players to join the expansion franchise is 23-year-old Sebastian Velasquez.

The midfielder was born in Colombia, but moved to the United States from an early age where he knew he wanted to be a soccer player. He played soccer throughout his youth before being drafted 36th overall by Real Salt Lake in 2012. He made his debut for the team on March 10, 2012 against the LA Galaxy and provided the cross that would eventually lead to a goal in a 3-1 victory. He scored his first goal on Nov. 8 in the 2013 Western Conference semifinals, also against the Galaxy.

Velasquez recently spoke exclusively with Latin Post during the NYCFC's press event at Yankees Stadium ahead of the team's home opener on Sunday, March 15: 

Latin Post: What was the experience like playing in Orlando for that first game?

Sebastian Velasquez: It was incredible. The energy in that stadium in front of 62,000 people was something special. As a soccer lover, I know that the more people are watching, the more pumped I get for playing.

LP: Do you expect the same on Sunday in the home opener?

SV: I hope so. I would love to see another 62,000 people. I would love for the stadium to be completely packed.

LP: What has it been like to work with manager Jason Kreis?

SV: I have always loved working with him because he is someone that loves to work hard.

LP: How has he helped you learn and develop as a player?

SV: He's helped me get experience. He likes to give people opportunities to succeed. He has never put me in a situation in which I might fail. He's always been clear with me in that way. He is a manager who is looking out for his players and I love that.

LP: What has it been like to work alongside this group, particularly players like David Villa and Mix Diskerud?

SV: It's been wonderful. First of all, I know that the managers and coaches interview everyone to find out about their character. And everyone is really nice on this team. It's easy to work with them and that is especially important in the room. We know that as a new team there will be a lot of expectations and questions, but we need to be together. Especially in the difficult moments when the pressure goes up. But I think with the group we have here that we will be able to work through those tough times. I'm really excited.

LP: Do you feel any extra pressure knowing that this is the first season and that there are expectations?

SV: Not pressure. There are obviously a lot of expectations, especially playing in this historic Stadium which has been the home of legends. Instead of pressure, I think that we need to be honored and convert it into energy to play at our best. I think that that energy, along with the quality we have on this team, will make us very successful.

LP: Do you have any personal goals you want to complete this year?

SV: I want to score five goals. That's what I have in mind. I want more than five goals. Obviously, I would like to lead the league in scoring but personally, I want at least five goals.

And obviously, as a team, we want to the MLS Cup. We have no other goals. But obviously we have to take it one game at a time.

LP: What has your experience with New York been thus far?

SV: It has been nice to be here. Obviously, this is arguably the best and greatest city in the world. And knowing that this is the home of our team is wonderful. I have to take advantage because I think that there are a lot of opportunities to play on this team and to win championships.

LP: How many days have you been in New York for?

SV: We have only had a few weeks here and there. We have had a couple of days to come in between preseason to visit.

LP: How has the city treated you?

SV: I have a lot of friends here in Queens. When I was younger, I would come here all the time to visit. I have a lot of friends in Jackson Heights.

LP: Do you have a favorite place in New York?

SV: I have many. I love Times Square, as a tourist. And there are other places. But I'm always in Jackson Heights or Queens to be with my friends.

LP: So that obviously makes it special to play in this city.

SV: Definitely. I know that all of them will be there on Sunday. They even told me that they will have Colombian flags and drums. It's really nice to be able to share a professional soccer game with friends.

LP: What has been the greatest challenge that you have had to overcome in your career?

SV: There have been a lot of issues off the pitch, but every year it is getting better.

On the pitch, it was obviously losing the MLS Cup [in 2013 for Real Salt Lake] on a penalty that probably would have changed my life if it had gone in. But I know that the beauty of soccer is that there is always a second chance and that, someday, I will either score on that penalty or score the game-winning goal in the Cup final.

LP: Do you have a favorite soccer team?

SV: Barcelona.