After spending most of the past year forced into the frustrating role of spectator by his latest major injury, Ike Opara started the 2015 season in style, with a monster performance that bodes well for his chances of a strong bounce-back season.
Opara enjoyed an outstanding return to the Sporting KC lineup in the club’s season opener on Sunday, scoring a goal and helping keep 2014 MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips in check in a 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls. Making Opara’s shift even more impressive was the fact that he had to help his team overcome being down a man after Matt Bestler was sent off with a second yellow card in the 70th minute.
While the 26-year-old Opara has received rave reviews in the aftermath of his comeback showing, he has simply expressed gratefulness to have been able to play again after dealing with an uncommon ankle injury since late last March.
“Being back out there for the first time and just being able to cherish the opportunity felt good because with a long layoff you kind of get perspective of each and every game, being able to enjoy it,” Opara told SBI. “It’s one of those things that unfortunately you have to go through an injury to learn and to go through some things. But it made me more appreciative of each game that I get moving forward.”
That newfound appreciation was on display for all to see on Sunday. Opara not only helped keep Wright-Phillips off the scoresheet at Sporting Park, he also netted the game’s opening goal in the 50th minute.
Up for a set piece that was cleared but recovered by Sporting KC, Opara lingered in the final third before getting on the end of a cross from Benny Feilhaber. Opara used his incredible athletic ability to meet the ball, and nod it into the back of the net. It was Opara telling the rest of MLS that he was back.
“I think it’s a good performance for him, and as I’ve said to him, I’ve always thought that he has the ability to be a 34-game starter in MLS as a central defender,” Sporting KC Peter Vermes told SBI. “I think he’s got all the right qualities. For him, it’s going to be about trying to stay healthy. But he’s a person with incredible attitude, very good mentality, and I think tremendous quality to play the position.”
If the Red Bulls didn’t already know that, they found out on Sunday. Wright-Phillips was unable to get into the same type of dangerous spots from where he scored 27 goals last season, and Opara was a big reason for that.
One play that specifically stuck out was when Wright-Phillips was racing in on goal in the second half, ready to go 1-on-1 with goalkeeper Luis Marin. Opara used his blazing speed to catch up to the English forward and thwart the threat.
“When you’re a player and you’re playing on a regular basis, you think the game revolves around you,” said Vermes. “When you get injured and you’re out, what you realize is the game keeps going on without you and you weren’t as important as you thought you were.
“I think in some respects it’s good for him, because there is a level of hunger you need to be successful in this game,” Vermes said. “I’m not saying he lost or didn’t have it, but alls I know is that it’s definitely very prevalent at the moment and I think it’s a good thing for him moving forward.”
Sporting KC showed major confidence in Opara when the club decided to trade away former MLS Cup MVP Aurelien Collin to Orlando City in the winter, but Opara looks ready to reward that faith.
Sporting KC will need Opara to step up and lead the defense next weekend with Besler suspended. It won’t be an easy task, but is one the reinvigorated Opara says he is ready for.
“It’s been one of those things where I’ve been out for so long that you kind of just learn and you just cherish everything,” said Opara. “We have a responsibility back there. If it’s me, then I’m more than comfortable with that.
“I don’t foresee it hopefully being that big of a deal. I know we’re going to miss Matt and his qualities, for sure, but I think we’ll be able to fight and hopefully get a result in Dallas.”
Dude’s Opta ratings were the best in MLS in 2013. Given his injuries, the usual caveats about small sample size apply, but when he’s been healthy enough to play, he’s been beastly.
(Yes, yes, Opta ratings are far from perfect, I know. Let’s just accept them for the flawed but usual measure that they are, and not hijack the thread arguing about them.)
I am guessing some Red Bulls fans have a similar opinion. But most neutral fans probably admire his excellent play the other night, his immense physical talent, and his hard work and perseverance to work through injuries. At least I do.
“Being back out there for the first time and just being able to cherish the opportunity felt good because with a long layoff you kind of get perspective of each and every game, being able to enjoy it. It’s one of those things that unfortunately you have to go through an injury to learn and to go through some things. But it made me more appreciative of each game that I get moving forward.”
god, what a b!tch.
Meh, good for him on that front, but my enduring image is of him walking up to Nat Borchers, during a stoppage of play, and giving him a full on push right in front of the referee and then walking away laughing. He should have been ejected, and then went on to score the game winning goal.
Have to admit Opara was a very good on Sunday
for jozy and freddy, it’s “how are they only 25?”
for ike, it’s “how is he already 26?” feels like just yesterday he was a top prospect.
He showed why he was such an exciting prospect once upon a time. He was physically dominant and positionally; he was everything you want out of a center back. If he can stay healthy and do that consistently (big if, of course), then watch out. Will be interesting to see him and Palmer-Brown together in the next game (I am assuming that will be the pairing with Besler out).
Meant to say positionally sound.