VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps are off to a fantastic start in the hotly contested Major League Soccer Western Conference. Currently the Caps sit 4th with a record of 5-2-5. Vancouver is coming off an exciting 4-3 victory in the Rose City against the Portland Timbers, and one player who participated in that match is Omar Salgado.
The El Paso, Texas native, has had an up and down professional career with the Whitecaps since he was picked first-overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Salgado has been previously plagued with a troublesome fractured foot injury that has seen him on the sidelines more than on the pitch. Now that he is fully fit Omar Salgado is ready to contribute to the Whitecaps.
Under the guidance of Coach Carl Robinson and the Caps coaching staff, Omar was sent down to play with the United Soccer League Pro affiliate the Charleston Battery on March 21. With the additions the Whitecaps made in the offseason there was simply no playing time left for Salgado in Vancouver. The move to South Carolina proved to be a great experience for Salgado as he obtained 2 goals and an assist in five appearances with Charleston.
While he was away critics labelled Salgado as a player with an attitude problem. Omar had his fair share of outbursts during the preseason, but the notion that he is disruptive to his team is a major leap that is not warranted for player who is only 20 years-old and still finding his way in MLS. To his credit Omar Salgado disagrees with his critics.
"I don't think I have an attitude, I don't try to. Obviously emotions get to me sometimes, but it's not anything else than that."
Without knowing what fortunes the 2014 season would hold, Salgado was left wondering what and where he might end up playing this season. All he could do while in Charleston was work on his game and do what he does best. Omar talked about what he worked on while he was playing for Charleston and what kept him going.
"Just knowing that I had to concentrate on me, getting back on the field and doing the best that I can. Just to score goals again, and just to feel like a soccer player again. I was on the sidelines so long that it kind of made me forget what it was like to play."
Salgado was able to play, earn minutes, confidence, and patience with the Battery. His earned himself a recall to the Whitecaps on May 6, just before Vancouver played Toronto FC in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semi-finals. Coincidentally, this was also two days after striker Kenny Miller was released from his contract with the club. Omar came on as a second half substitute in both matches against Toronto FC.
The 6'4 Real Madrid supporter has looked more focused, determined, and in control when on the pitch since being recalled. His best chance to score his second career MLS goal came in a road match against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, May 10. Omar had slipped past the Crew back-line and was in alone on the Columbus keeper. He attempted to loft the ball inside the far right post only to have the ball miss the net. Vancouver went on to win the match 1-0.
Erik Hurtado is a prime example of a player who has been given an opportunity to produce and who has done just that when called upon by Carl Robinson. Omar Salgado is well aware of the fantastic form his teammate is on and he hopes that when he gets his chance he can do the job well.
"I feel like I'll probably come in as a sub for the coming weeks, and hopefully from there I can make a difference and move up. It's all healthy competition, and we have to beat each other for the spot. Everyone's getting their chance, you can see Erik's getting his and Erik's done very well. It's just waiting and getting your chance and doing the job well."
The Vancouver Whitecaps could have easily given up on Omar Salgado and shipped him off to the likes of Chivas USA or FC Dallas, but they still believe in his abilities, and what he has to offer. Now that he is finally healthy and growing into his frame you can clearly see that Omar Salgado has a bright future with the club and the best is yet to come.
Notes: Vancouver Whitecaps right-back Steven Beitashour has made the 23-man World Cup roster for Iran.
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