VANCOUVER, B.C. - Kei Kamara in a Vancouver Whitecaps kit, it almost came to fruition prior to the close of the MLS primary transfer window on May 11. A who's, who of MLS insiders strongly indicated a swap of Octavio Rivero for the then out of favour Columbus Crew striker, Kei Kamara. However, a trade to Vancouver did not end up happening.
Kamara was traded to the New England Revolution the next morning for a generous package that included, General Allocation Money, Targeted Allocation Money, New England's highest 1st Round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2017, New England's highest 2nd Round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2018 and one of New England's international roster spots for the 2016 season.
On deadline day, Vancouver was hosting the Chicago Fire at BC Place. Speculation of a blockbuster trade swirled in the press box. Kamara was sitting at home in Ohio watching that very same match. Following practice in Vancouver, Red Nation Online caught up with Kamara to ask him if he had an inkling of where he would end up on deadline day.
"Not at all," said Kamara. "I was probably 95 percent thinking I'm coming here to Vancouver. I had no insight of anyone knowing the fact that I'm going to New England."
The 31 year-old really added to the transfer winds blowing in Vancouver's direction after sending out a pair of tweets during the Whitecaps vs Fire game. Many people believed he was either heading to Vancouver or attempting to stir the pot and add to the frenzy that was building.
What really promoted those tweets from the social media savvy veteran?
"It was definitely some inside scoop from the whole thing happening and some really good talk that I could end up here (Vancouver). It was something that I was definitely interested in. It's a good side. It's good to be wanted and I had no idea I was going to New England until I showed up in the coaches office and he told me where I was going."
Now that Kamara has safely landed in New England with some MLS games with his new club. He is learning to adapt, connect, and fit in with his new teammates. It's certainly easier to fall out of favour with a previous club as opposed to learning to fit in and find form in new surroundings. One of the biggest factors for Kamara's is finding his footing on the Gillette Stadium turf.
"It's still a work in progress," admits Kamara. "I'm a new guy on the team and I'm trying to connect with the rest of the guys. They have a really strong offensive line so I'm just trying to connect with these guys, but it's been good so far. We've won some games and that's what it's all about, just winning games."
In the three MLS matches he has played with the Revs the team has gone 2-1-0. Kamara has gone a full ninety in each of those games, but has yet to contribute to the score sheet. He will be looking for his first goal or assist tomorrow afternoon against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. For Kamara, the most important part is not scoring goals himself, but picking up wins.
"The wins, I've been part of the team for three games, two wins. Definitely, if I can continue to get wins instead of the goals than I'm happy with that. As a striker, you definitely want to get that first goal and get that out-of-the-way, but for me if my impact on the team is to win games and I'm ok with that."
In his spare time when he isn't on Twitter or Snapchat, Kamara is a massive photography enthusiast. He was able to be a part of the Brazil vs Peru Copa America match at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, June 12. Kamara applied and received a photography credential for the match. He's always loved taking pictures whether it be on the road in MLS or abroad in other continents.
"I've had my own camera, I've always loved it. I always want to take pictures, I go to Africa and take pictures there. When this came about that Brazil was playing in our stadium, it was a greatest chance for me to shoot a sports event. I was just happy to be a part of it."
If he isn't in a dark room looking at his photos, the best place to find the outspoken Kamara is in a Chipotle restaurant. He's almost become a bit of a folk hero for the Mexican Grill fast food chain. Kamara was at first a little bit surprised by how much attention his love for Chipotle garnered. Now that he's been able to use it to meet some of his fans and he's really embracing it.
"Well... now I am a celebrity card holder for Chipotle, but you know they're amazing. It's not all about the card. I've loved it and it kind of interacts me and the fans for some reason and I'm happy with it."
Notes: Former Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder, Gershon Koffie did not travel and will not play for New England against the Whitecaps due to a knee sprain.
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