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October 16, 2016 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps season is winding down with a just a pair of fixtures remaining before the 2016 comes to an end. It hasn't been the best of campaigns for the Whitecaps as they've missed out on the MLS playoffs thanks to a record of 9-15-8. One Whitecaps player who hasn't been here for all 32 matches is, Giles Barnes who was acquired from the Houston Dynamo on July 30.
Barnes has played in eight matches for his new club and has picked up one assist. It's not been an easy adjustment for the Barking, London native, who took some time to find his fitness after joining Vancouver mid-season.
"It's been a transition, to try to sort yourself out," said Barnes. "I was living in a hotel for six weeks or so trying to get that sorted, it was a bit unsettling. Obviously I haven't played for a little bit in Houston, so the match fitness wasn't quite there when I came. Everyone has been fantastic to me. I've known Robbo (Carl Robinson) for a while, so he knows what I'm capable of. It's just one of those things, getting my fitness and contributing as I can."
The 28 year-old, Barnes scored 31 goals in four and a half seasons with Houston. An astonishing 26 goals were scored at BBVA Compass Stadium. Barnes was a bit of a homebody in Texas as he only managed to score 5 goals outside of Houston. Two at defunct Chivas USA, two at DC United, and his last road goal on October 8, 2014. at BMO Field against Toronto.
Why can't Giles Barnes score away from Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium, he pondered his answer?
"Yeah, I don't know... I'll have to dig deep," said a surprised Barnes. "Obviously my favourite position to play is as a nine. I think when you play in different positions, out wide position or in a midfield position, it's a bit harder to score goals on the road, which I was used at in Houston. Maybe that's the reason. It's just about confidence and hitting the back of the net, really."
There will no doubt be some player turnover with the Whitecaps during the off-season. Barnes is expected to be back with the club. He's enjoyed his time so far with Vancouver and will sit down with the gaffer after the season and discuss future plans.
"It's a great city, it's a great club, it's got something special here. I've known Robbo (Carl Robinson) for a while so all the right bits are there. They'll be a conversation between me and him and the end of the season as always, and we'll decide what's best from there. I mean I'm contracted anyway, unless he decides to trade me or get rid of me, I'm here."
Whitecaps Coach, Carl Robinson has liked what he has seen thus far from Barnes. It's been a small sample size, but you can't really accurately judge Barnes based on the teams poor performances down the stretch. With a new crop of players expected to be brought in, and a full off-season to acclimate himself, Barnes will be here to stay.
"Yeah, no it's took Giles a little bit of time to adjust," admitted Robinson. "He's getting his fitness levels up now. You've seen he's shown a lot of good things, a lot of positive things and obviously there's stuff that we need to work on. Giles is a key player and hopefully we can see the best from him in the last two games."
One thing Barnes will have to get use to while living in Vancouver, is the predictable cold, rainy, wet, weather. For a lad that grew up in London, his time spent in Houston, and with Jamaica for international duty, have made him soft. The weather has got to the core of his bones and his teammates have taken the piss.
"Cold, that's what the weather is, cold," said Barnes. "Everyone laughs at me every single morning, because I come in and I've got hats on, two pairs of trousers on, jackets. Everyone just laughs at me every single morning, when I come in, because it's cold."
What's the best thing you can have to keep warm during the cool fall and winter months? A nice brew, and like anyone from England. Giles Barnes has his go to tea routine down pat.
"Tetley Tea, English Breakfast Tea," revealed Barnes. "It's the good stuff, little bit of milk, couple of sugars, you're good to go."
The Whitecaps striker will look to get on the scoresheet today when Vancouver visits San Jose to take on the Earthquakes. You'll be able to spot Barnes in kit number 28, minus his hat, gloves, and wool socks.
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