BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ONE of the Federation’s top footballers, Atiba Harris, has been lauded by his teammates and Head Coach of the San Jose Earthquakes after scoring in his last two games in Major League Soccer.
Harris was traded in December to the San Jose Earthquakes following a one-year stint with the Colorado Rapids.
According to a report by mlssoccer.com, the ninth-year MLS veteran with stints at Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, FC Dallas, Vancouver and Colorado on his resume, knocked home the Quakes’ first goal in what would eventually be a 2-1 victory over 10-man Dallas on Saturday.
It also stated that it was the second consecutive time Harris has scored, following his career-best five goals with Colorado last season.
San Jose coach Mark Watson told reporters at Toyota Stadium that “we knew he’s a big, athletic guy that had goals in him. Sometimes it just takes a little while to get comfortable with your surroundings, your teammates, just everything.
“He’s getting better and better, and his performances the past couple of weeks have been his best, and he’s been rewarded with goals on both occasions. He’s definitely improving week by week”.
“I thought Atiba did great tonight,” San Jose’s goalkeeper Jon Busch said. “Obviously, he’s a presence in the air and he’s a good goalscorer. To get him starting to produce goals is very important for this team.”
The media outlet also reported that Harris created his goal last week against Houston by hustling to a hopeful long ball and catching Dynamo’s goalkeeper Tally Hall out of his area. But this time, he was the recipient of what he termed a “great layoff” from teammate Steven Lenhart after a flicked corner kick scythed through Dallas’ penalty box and Harris slotted his shot neatly past Chris Seitz.
“I’ve been here for a few months now, and I’m beginning to feel a bit more comfortable on the field with these guys. Having guys who are actually playing me the ball and getting me more touches, creating more chances for the attacking players, is really good,” Harris stated.
Harris became the first player from St. Kitts and Nevis to sign for MLS when he joined Real Salt Lake for the 2006 season.
