It's unfortunate what's happened with Keita this season. Heading into the year, Keita looked to be one of the front-runners to make the jump to the MLS with the team, but now he's barely on the radar. How quickly things can turn from one season to the next in soccer. Keita is clearly a talented player, but often times seemed lackadaisical out on the field this season. After playing 9 games for Salgaocar SC of India after the conclusion of last season, could he be burnt out from playing soccer year round? Maybe he would have benefited from an off-season and some rest.
Portland forward Mandjou Keita was a no-show for the game. Keita also missed the team's practices Monday and Tuesday. Portland coach Gavin Wilkinson declined to comment about Keita. Keita, the team's leading scorer last season with 11 goals and the league's scoring champion with 29 points, has endured a horrible season this year. He has scored just one goal this season and was benched June 19 in favor of Dike and has played sparingly since the demotion.
Either way let's hope Keita's absence turns out to be no big deal. We could use him and the extra depth heading into the playoffs. Plus, it'd be quite the boost if he could return to form.
I'd be happy if we never saw Keita on the field again in Portland. He did nothing this season, or really the second half of last season. His playing time was all based on a super run right when he arrived in '09.
ReplyDeleteThe Timbers obviously need to find a way to score more goals, but I don't think Keita is the answer. Missing camp, starting late, rumors about him having issues with coaching or management, it seems like it might be better to just cut ties at this point. We signed Ibad also, that can't be a good sign for Keita.
ReplyDeleteI agree about Ibad, he's surely going to prevent Keita from getting more minutes. But who cares? Keita sucks anyway, he's a flash in the pan, nothing special. I'm much happier with Dike upfront.
ReplyDeleteI'll defend Keita, but maybe not to the grave or anything. He's still a dangerous player when motivated and has the ability to keep possession up front, something that the team has struggled with this year.
ReplyDeleteI doubt Keita will return to the starting role he had last year, but I think having him available and willing to play hard is valuable added depth that the Timber's could need.
Also, I think it's somewhat unfair to label his success as simply a "flash in the pan".