Cam Weaver knows how to take advantage of an opportunity.
After scoring a goal against CD FAS in their last meeting, the 6-foot-4 forward was a menace yet again notching a goal and two assists in the Houston Dynamo’s dominant 4-0 over the Salvadoran side in their third game of CONCACAF Champions League play.
Taking full advantage of his size, Weaver mixed in touches of skill on his setups to Calen Carr and Giles Barnes in a match that has the forward developing some positive momentum.
“Any games I have a chance to get minutes in I’m happy,” Weaver said with a smile. “Finding your form takes game minutes and if you’re just training and not getting game minutes it’s hard to keep your form up. I’m happy to get a goal, couple of assists and to help the team. I think we pretty much accomplished everything we wanted to accomplish for the team.”
It has been an uphill climb to hold that form in 2012. The hard-working Weaver started the season behind starters Brian Ching and Will Bruin on the depth chart, alongside forward Mac Kandji.
Weaver was consequently relegated to Reserve League action – where he leads the team with six goals – as Bruin worked his way to 11 league goals. Head coach Dominic Kinnear's midseason switch to a 4-3-3 formation further reduced the available minutes for forwards in.
Despite his diminished chances Weaver, who has made two appearances in MLS play in the last five games, kept his head down and has capitialized on the opportunities that CCL play has brought.
OPTA Chalkboard: Weaver dominant in Dynamo win
“His attitude’s been excellent,” Kinnear told the media. “He comes to practice every day and works ever so hard. I was happy for him to get that goal tonight and he was a trouble for them the first game and he was trouble tonight.”
Weaver finished the night having played a big role in both Thursday’s complete win and Houston’s perch atop group 3. While he was adamant the team victory was most important, his teammates and coaches know what type of impact he made.
“He’s a big body and it’s really easy to play into him and find him anywhere on the field,” said Colin Clark. “He has a nose for the goal and getting in the box and it was a great finish [on his goal].”
Added Kinnear, “I think whenever you give him a chance he puts himself in good places. I was happy to see him get that goal because he’s been working hard and it’s nice to see him get a reward like that.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.
