Whitecaps’ Kamara hopes for memorable milestone
VANCOUVER — Striker Kei Kamara is scheduled to play his 300th Major League Soccer game today when the Vancouver Whitecaps travel to face the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium.
So, what’s the recipe for Kamara’s longevity? Proper nutrition? Good conditioning?
“They call me old for a reason,” the 33-year-old said after a training session this week at the Whitecaps’ facility on the UBC campus.
Kamara came to Vancouver in December in a trade from the New England Revolution. In an 11-year MLS career, he has suited up in 287 regular-season games and 12 in the playoffs. He has dressed for seven teams, including the Columbus Crew twice. He’s a two-time MLS allstar and a finalist for the most valuable player award, but has never won a championship.
“I can play a lot more games,” said the Sierra Leone native. “I’m not done yet.
“I want to keep playing and I want to keep getting wins. I’m only playing for one reason and that hasn’t happened yet.”
Kamara can also score his 100th regular-season MLS goal against the Dynamo, a team he spent two seasons with. He would become the 10th player in league history to record 100 or more goals.
“It’s always good to play against an old team,” joked Kamara. “For me, that’s the whole MLS.
“Having 100 goals in the regular season is definitely a big milestone I’d love to get to.”
Kamara’s 99th goal came in the Whitecaps’ season-opening 2-1 win against the Montreal Impact last weekend.
“As a striker, when you join a team, you want to get that first goal out of the way,” he said.
“It was an important goal. I’m glad I was able to get it.”
Felipe Martins, who Vancouver acquired in a March trade, played against Kamara when the Brazilian midfielder was a member of the New York Red Bulls and Montreal.
“It’s much better to have him as a teammate than an opponent,” said Martins.
“Kei is a proven player. He knows how to take care of himself. The great thing about Kei is his personality, the energy every day he brings to the lockerroom.”