Just try and stop Camilo.
In Wednesday’s 1-1 away draw with Sporting Kansas City, the 'Caps diminutive Brazilian continued his tremendous run of form, scoring his eighth goal in seven games to propel him into 10 goals in league play.
Taking a free kick from about 25 yards out just before the end of the first half, Camilo picked the top right corner of Jimmy Nielsen’s net to equalize the match in what would turn out to be the game's final tally.
“It was fantastic from Camilo to draw us level just before the half,” Whitecaps Designated Player Kenny Miller told reporters in Kansas City. “That took the pressure off us a little bit. One-nil down would have been tough for us to get back in the game, but it was a delightful finish from him.”
When the foul was called, a few players stood over the ball – apart from Camilo, Johnny Leverón and Daigo Kobayashi also lingered.
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But there was only one man who was going to take the ball, especially given his form.
“I knew I was going to take it when the foul [was called],” Camilo said. “This is my position. I am comfortable taking those shots. It is what I can do for the team.”
His teammate, left fullback Jordan Harvey, explained to Vancouver radio station TEAM 1410 that Camilo practices free kicks on a daily basis, and so these results from dead ball situations haven’t come as a surprise to him.
“He’s so consistent,” Harvey said of Camilo. “Every day he’s working on it, and it’s not a surprise. When you work as much as he does, and he’s so consistent, you’re going to get goals.
OPTA Chalkboard: Sporting Kansas City peppers goal, but can't find finishing touch
“For me, getting in the box on those, I know it’s going to be on target, and that one was perfect,” Harvey concluded.
The draw extended the Whitecaps' unbeaten streak to four, and the club hopes to carry the momentum into Saturday's match against Cascadia rivals Seattle at BC Place. Vancouver are winless against the Sounders, but given this recent momentum, there’s plenty of belief in the camp that unfortunate footnote could soon be wiped.
“Our team is playing very strong,” Camilo said. “When the team is playing well, that gives me confidence. We are a little tired from this trip, but we have a big game Saturday. Tomorrow and Friday we will do everything we can to get fresh and continue to play well for our supporters.”
Martin MacMahon covers Vancouver Whitecaps FC for MLSsoccer.com.
