Q&A: Going one-on-one with Bright Dike

Bright Dike turned in a productive night Tuesday, logging the team’s first hat trick in three seasons in a 4-1 second-round victory in the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The forward talked about his three-goal night, learning on the job and who he aspires to model his game after in a Q&A.
The win on Tuesday was a key moment for the club in its 2010 U.S. Open Cup run. Describe what it was like to play in that match, and be able contribute three goals.




Bright Dike:
It’s just great to be a part of a team that’s playing well, and starting to get our groove back as you might say. When everybody is working and fighting for each other, it really is a great thing. Just to help the team get the win is a huge positive, and hopefully we can take this momentum towards the second half of the season and in the tournament against Seattle.
Your hat trick is the first for the team in any competitive match since the 2007 season. Scoring goals is your job as a forward, but to get three in one game has to be a special feeling.




BD:
It’s a very special and great feeling that you don't get to experience very often. This one was particularly special because it was for the Timbers and I had gone the whole first half of the season with only scoring one goal. So, finally scoring some goals after not scoring too many at that point was a real boost. 
As one of three rookies on the team this season, what’s it like to put on a Timbers shirt and realize your life-long dream of playing professionally?




BD:
It’s a dream and an experience you hope to hold for as long as you can. Playing professionally has been what I have wanted to do my whole life and it still is. I want to play at the highest level I can.


You are nearly half way through your rookie season. What are two things main things you’ve learned so far that has helped you in transitioning to the professional game?




BD:
I think the mental aspect of my game has changed the most since I have been here, thinking about what you’re going to do with the ball before and after you get it; the type of runs and touches you make in order to make things easier for yourself on the pitch; and the form and technique of your passing and shooting. I think your mentality also is a great indicator of your attitude and work rate, and ability to learn new things everyday you get on the field.


What players, whether in MLS or in leagues around the world, do you admire and hope to model your game after as you develop and shape your professional career?




BD:
I admire a player like Didier Drogba of Chelsea, who has a similar body type and style of play as me. Everything he does, to me, is world class. In my opinion, as a forward, his finishing and skill matches anyone’s.