VANCOUVER, B.C. - Whitecaps FC's Brek Shea is off to a torrid start to the 2018 MLS campaign. The MLS veteran has found the back of the net scoring three goals for the 3-2-1 Caps. As Vancouver prepare to host 2-2-0 Los Angeles FC on Friday night at B.C. Place, Shea is a big reason why Whitecaps FC have been able to jump out to a quick start this season.
Although it's early, Shea's impressive start could be a fantastic sign of things to come. Speaking to Red Nation Online earlier this week, Shea downplayed his accomplishments.
"I mean it's only a couple of games in, it's only three goals," said a humble Shea. "Come talk to me after 20 games, and see."
What exactly is the reasoning for Brek Shea's brilliant start to the season. Is it diet, a new gym routine, a different sleeping pattern, or just good old-fashioned hard work?
Whitecaps FC Assistant Coach Martyn Pert, has an idea of what's helped Shea.
"He's come in fit, and that's always important for any player to come into the season fit," Pert said following training on Monday. "He's always been a good finisher. He scored a goal in a Gold Cup Final, where there's real loads of pressure. He seems to have a real cool head in front of goal."
The 28 year-old winger is as cool as a cucumber. Shea exudes confidence from his love of tattoos, to his passion for art. He is a free spirit that does his own thing on and off the pitch. Fans either tend to have strong admiration or an unfavourable opinion of him.
The majority of his goals have come away from B.C. Place. Since Shea returned from England he has tallied ten goals. Eight have come with the opposition crowd against his club. Shea has scored seven goals for Vancouver with only one occuring at B.C. Place.
What does he attribute his road success to?
"I have no idea." Shea said. "I think it's just the luck of the draw. You get chances, and you try and score them. I don't think there's any difference playing away from home for me."
Sometimes fans see teams wanting to put on a show in front of the home crowd. Perhaps it's a case of trying too hard to pop the cork and play that lovely champagne football that we all enjoy. Home or away, Brek Shea just wants to play football.
"Like I said, I try and score whenever I play." Shea added. "There's no difference for me, whether it's home or away."
While his scoring touch might be a surprise to Whitecaps FC fans, and curious observers throughout MLS, it's not at all a surprise to Martyn Pert and the Caps coaching staff. They've known all along that it was just a matter of time before Shea found his groove.
"He's a terrific finisher in terms of getting into that dangerous area." Pert said. "He can always finish. We know that he can score goals, he's a good goal-scorer. In the offseason, we were talking about different players. We always knew that Brek Shea can get us points, because he scores goals, particularly on the road with his counter-attacking."
Whilst on the road, the Caps trio of Brek Shea, Kei Kamara, and Bernie Ibini have found some success against the likes of Columbus Crew SC, and Real Salt Lake. The height that each of them brings adds another advantage for Vancouver. It's always a challenge for opposition clubs who can't always track, and keep up with the towering offensive trio.
"I like the way Kei plays," said, a complimentary Shea. "He's a big target guy, so I can play the ball in, and back. Or I can just cross the ball in anywhere, and he'll seem to find it. He's just deadly like that. It's been good for the team."
Vancouver has an opportunity to literally be head and shoulders above the competition this season. When Yordy Reyna, and Cristian Techera get going, that will also add another threat to the Whitecaps FC attack. Captain Kendall Waston, will also be another player that Vancouver will depend on, but for now, Shea, Kamara, and Ibini are coming up aces.
"It definitely helps to have some tall players defending, and attacking set pieces." Pert explained. "His (Shea's) goals have been with his feet, and great finishes. The height's important for set plays, and we always want to work on being good at set plays, defending, and attacking. His three goals have been with good finishes with his left foot."
Coming into this season, Shea's importance to the long-term success of Whitecaps FC was questioned by fans and media. However, he has rebounded and made it known that he is going to be a key contributor, and someone who can deliver timely goals in the crunch.
Some of his MLS peers may not have agreed. A recent ESPN anonymous MLS player poll garnered Shea 4% of a vote for most overrated player. While this might bother a professional athlete, Brek Shea isn't about to kick-off just because of a silly poll question.
"I couldn't give two shits. I actually don't even care. I don't care what any media says." Shea said.
The main focus is always to succeed in helping your team win matches, and that's what Brek Shea is doing. He's not bothered with what fans, media, or poll questions say. He's got the support of his teammates, coaches, and that's helping him, help Vancouver Whitecaps FC earn positive results.
|