VANCOUVER, BC – When Vancouver Whitecaps FC added Pedro Morales to their roster in March, he was not known to too many fans in North America. That all changed after a goal and assist in an explosive 25-minute debut against the New York Red Bulls in Week 1.
And ever since, the impact that the Chilean has had on Vancouver's season has been immense, with a team-leading 10 goals and 12 assists and being named captain in the summer following the retiring of Jay DeMerit. But his first year in Major League Soccer has taken its toll as the midfielder has struggled with fatigue and the league’s lengthy travel.
"This is new for me," Morales admitted to reporters at the team's end-of-season media availability on Monday. "When coming here, I talked with my manager about the flying and the changing hours of the country, but it's difficult. Before, I never had this in my career. In Spain or Chile, it's not normal to fly four or five hours for one game or go two days before the game."
"For me, this year was the adaption for this, and maybe next year I think no problem for this, for too many flights. But now I feel good. Now, with rest, two months maybe, I'll work in Chile, I'll work here, and I'll feel much better next year and [have] more energy."
Morales' influence on the 'Caps started to slightly wane down the stretch after a near 16 months of continuous soccer, first in La Liga and then in MLS.
The breaking point came in last week's Western Conference Knockout-Round game of the MLS Cup Playoffs in Dallas when Morales was substituted out just before the hour mark.
"I didn't sleep good before this game, did not feel good, but for me, every game is important," Morales said. "It was very important to play in Dallas, but I didn't feel good on the field. My body did not feel energy, and in the game I felt pain in my foot. I think it was a good decision for ‘Robbo’ to take me out."
"My body, I need time to relax now. One year and a half I played in Spain and, after, here, but now I go back to Chile with my family and have more motivation for next year."
Despite the heartbreak of their playoff exit and the personal challenges the midfielder has faced in adjusting to the league, Morales said he enjoyed his first season in MLS and has been impressed by the league’s quality.
"It's incredible," Morales said of how he's found playing in MLS. "When coming here I looked at the television; I want to go to Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland. Good players, strong league, so many people, so many fans. When I play here [in Vancouver] it's very good, a good [atmosphere] for the team. I think it's one step up from the league of Chile or South America."
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