FRISCO, Texas -- So much for hitting that proverbial sophomore wall.
The trend initially seemed as though it would continue as forward Tesho Akindele did actually begin Saturday’s 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy on the bench again.
But unlike the previous three weeks, the reigning 2014 Rookie of the Year showed up in dramatic fashion, scoring the game-winning goal in the 86th minute by firing a masterfully placed to shot to give his club three points in the standings instead of just one.
Now, Akindele is on track to reach the starting XI on Friday night against the New York Red Bulls (9 pm ET; UDN | UnivisionDeportes.com), as he practiced with the first team on Thursday in the place of versatile midfielder Ryan Hollingshead.
“I was hearing during the week that he was in a slump,” head coach Oscar Pareja said after Saturday’s win. “I don’t think he was. I’ve got to say that. I would say if there is one, but [there is] not one with him.”
Regardless of whether or not two total goals and four straight weeks off the bench including the Galaxy match is considered a slump, Akindele responded to the debate like an athlete determined to change the narrative.
In the previous three weeks coming off the bench this season, he only put up one shot in 66 combined minutes. But against the Galaxy, the Alberta native doubled that in only 45 minutes of action and almost scored twice, had he not sent a shot from right in front of the LA net sky-high into the stands.
But Akindele, who was asked about the “sophomore slump” story by multiple media outlets after his late-game heroics, says he does not use the media as extra motivation.
“If somebody writes something saying ‘Hey, you’re not doing good’ or if they write that you’re doing well, you’ve got to try and not take any of that to your head,” Akindele told MLSsoccer.com this week. “It’s the media’s job to write stories as the season’s going on. You can’t be mad or get too happy about it, either way.
“I just try to kinda brush it off.”
Akindele did just that, as his sophomore season totals now read three goals – which is good for third on the team at the moment -- one assist, and a probable trip back to the starting line-up after an encouraging week of practice for the young forward.
“Confidence for a forward is always up after a goal,” Akindele said. “I hope I’m starting this weekend. But even if I’m not, I’m ready to sub in and hopefully make a difference.”
