VANCOUVER, B.C. - Spring is in the air, the weather is turning around in Vancouver. People are checking off things on their to-do list so they can get out and enjoy life. Professional athletes are no different. They're often left juggling a lot of things at once, while must-tasking to keep sport, and family life balanced.
Whitecaps FC midfielder, Brek Shea is no different. Traded to Vancouver on February 25, from Orlando City SC, Shea had his world turned upside down. Moving across the continent and acclimating himself to a new country, team, and city was a big change.
"He's a key piece to our squad that we're trying to build here," said Coach Carl Robinson. "I think that you saw on Friday night that he come on and had an immediate impact. You see not just with his goal, but he's all around play the short period he was on. We're delighted to have him back, we're still trying to get him up to speed. He's still got a couple of weeks to get up to full speed, but it's nice to have him back."
The 27 year-old has been hobbled by a knee injury that he sustained on April 5 vs Tigres UANL. Shea made his return to the pitch on May 5 scoring the match-winner against Colorado Rapids, and his former U.S. Soccer teammate, keeper Tim Howard.
"It was a game where both teams going at it," said Shea as he described his goal. "I think they were pushing hard to try and score. We won the ball, I saw a space, I made a run, and Nico (Nicolas Mezquida) made a nice pass. I just went down and scored. I'm just happy I scored. Obviously, against one of the best goalkeeper there is.
If you caught Shea's celebration after he scored, he put a ball under his shirt to share, and announce that he and his long-time girlfriend, Carling, are expecting a new addition to the Shea household later this year.
"Another kid is coming pretty soon, a boy," said Shea.
While the Shea family is adjusting to life in Vancouver. They are appreciative of all the sunny days Vancouverites cling to when the rain and clouds are at bay.
"Yeah, they live here now," said Shea of his girlfriend, and daughter. "They moved out like a week ago. I'm starting to settle in and enjoy it a lot more. I like when the sun's out. It's nice, it's very pretty to see the city and the mountains all in the background. To me it's a very nice view."
With all the beautiful scenery Vancouver has to offer, you can only imagine what kind of canvas Shea has taken to paint. If you're not familiar, the talented Whitecaps goal-poacher has a creative, and artistic side to him. You might Shea he's the Bob Ross of Whitecaps FC.
"I haven't really done much painting," revealed Shea. "I've done some little doodles, and drawings, but I haven't really set up a place to paint yet."
The Bryan, Texas native, will look to put his doodles in his carry on luggage as the Whitecaps will travel to Houston to take on the Dynamo on Friday at BBVA Compass Stadium. His Mom has been the only family to watch him in person with his new team. This will change as Shea will have a big supporting contingent at the match in Houston.
"I will have a lot of friends and family at the game on Friday," said Shea. "Hopefully we can get a good result. It's always fun playing in front of family and friends, especially when they don't get to see you play very often."
The only question mark at the minute is Shea's recovering left knee sprain. Following training on Monday, Shea limped to the sidelines to gather himself. It could be a long road to full fitness, but Shea is determined to play through it, and help the Whitecaps.
"No, my knee is good," said Shea. "Certain things, I get twings here, and there, but that's normal with an injury. You just have to run through it."
What exact percent is Shea's knee at?
"I mean, good enough to play (laughs). Obviously, coming back from injury, a knee or an ankle, it just takes time to get confidence and to be able to play back to where you were."
Brek Shea clearly has a lot on his plate. The fact that he was able to come off the bench and score a match-winner while playing on a wonky knee. That shows the determination, and ability Shea can bring to the Vancouver. He could be a massive offensive threat for the Whitecaps as he and his family settle in to life in Vancouver.
|