Colchester United starlet Sammie Szmodics is riding the crest of a wave after bagging his first senior goal - and then meeting a World Cup superstar. The U’s teenager netted for the first time in a competitive match after scoring in their 6-3 FA Cup win at Gosport Borough, last Sunday. And less than 24 hours later, Szmodics met James Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot after scoring six times at this summer’s World Cup, in Brazil. Szmodics met the Real Madrid star, who was at QPR’s training ground with the rest of the Colombia squad preparing for their international friendly against the United States at Craven Cottage, on Friday. The U’s were in West London for an under-21 fixture, where Szmodics helped them hold Professional Development League Two South leaders Rangers to a thrilling 3-3 draw. Szmodics said: “It topped off a memorable 24 hours for me. “I got my first senior goal against Gosport, met one of the world’s best players and then helped us get a draw against the leaders QPR.” For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Wednesday's Daily Gazette.