Vitoria also emerged as a goal scoring center back, scoring a total of 12 goals in the 11/12 season, and a team leading 13 in the 12/13 season, most of them coming out of dead ball situations and from the spot, earning Vitoria the reputation of “set piece specialist”.
It was the last season at Estoril that caught the eye of Portuguese giants Benfica, who signed Vitoria to a 4 year deal at the end of the 12/13 season. Having come full circle, Vitoria called the day he signed for Benfica the happiest day of his, and his family’s life, a dream come true as he much like his father are Benfica supporters.
In his first year at Benfica, Vitoria played mostly for Benfica’s B team, as both Luisao and Ezequiel Garay, both international players for their countries, were undisputable starters. Nevertheless Vitoria did play enough to be considered part of an historical record setting season for Benfica, who won 3 titles and came a shootout short of a 4th one in the Europa League final.
This year however, Vitoria had not logged in any minutes on either team, and as I asked him why, Vitoria responded:
”I wish I had the answer for you, to be honest. But Benfica is a very big club in Europe, it was a great experience being a part of it, I learned a lot. Last year was a great year with all the titles. We can just work everyday, but it’s a coaches decision, and I didn’t get that many minutes. But, that’s all part of it.”
I also asked him if his 2 years at Benfica helped him grow under Jorge Jesus’ tutelage despite not getting many minutes the first season and none this season.
Steven responded:
“Oh, for sure. Everybody works hard day in and day out, Jorge Jesus is one of the best coaches in Europe and I learned a lot. Just hope to hone the strengths that I have to present to wherever I am now. I look forward to learning as well with a different coach. Like I said, I’m very excited about it and I’m ready to get to work.”
It’s hard not to get excited with Steven Vitoria’s signing if you are a Philadelphia Union fan.
Vitoria in the red of Benfica
There’s nothing but upside to Vitoria’s arrival at PPL. At 28, Steve Vitoria is at his prime. He arrives in the MLS excited with the Union’s project, as well as “hungry” to make an impact, after sitting on the sidelines all this season.
Throw in the fact that Vitoria is still eligible to play for the Canadian national team, and the possibility of a call up now a new blip on his radar, and you have a motivated player, whose skill set makes him quite the unique and possibly a key player for the Philadelphia Union.
When you look at the Union’s record last year, and how they allowed as many goals as they scored, it’s easy to see how Steven Vitoria has everything to become an impact player for the Union not only on the defensive but also offensive side of the ball
Alfredo Fumacas
@Benficapodcast
