Gabriel Bitar’s recent “team-of-the-week-worthy” performances could be thanks to a change in his routine. Every so often, Bitar and some other teammates would visit a bakery to relax and build team camaraderie outside of training. The shop had everything from delicious pastries and savoury scones to sweet pies and chocolatey brownies but, for Bitar, the selection of choice was always a simple cookie. 

It became part of his routine to have the same cookie from the same bakery when he went with the team until one fateful day in July, before Vancouver FC’s game against Halifax, when someone superstitious suggested that if Bitar forwent his dessert option then he was going to score. The result was Bitar appearing on the scoresheet for the first time in 2023 which led the team to a 2-1 victory. Since then, Bitar has laid off the cookies and is currently reflecting on his hot streak of scoring three goals in the last two matches.

“It’s always good to be recognized for your hard work. I’m grateful for that,” said Bitar. “We show up to work and, if you work hard, eventually good things will come.”

In reality, this uptick in Bitar’s game is due to determination and feeling confident with his body once again. Bitar had a strong start to the season, making six consecutive appearances, including five starting XI showings, and registering an assist in the first franchise victory. Unfortunately, in Vancouver’s second home match on May 13 against Atlético Ottawa, Bitar suffered a shoulder injury that not only kept him out of a few matches, but also shook the positive momentum he was on. 

“When I hurt my shoulder it took me time to get back into the swing of things,” shares Bitar. “I think I’m starting to hit a point right now where I’m starting to feel like I don’t notice it anymore.”

Apart from feeling healthy again, Bitar doesn’t think there is anything different or unique that he has been doing these past few weeks to have prompted his scoring ways. The Lebanese-Canadian believes that his individual recognitions are showing that the team is on the right track to achieve positive things. “It shows that as a team we’re growing. I think soon as a team, we’ll start getting some more results and more recognition,” states Bitar. 

As much as Bitar and the team wanted to have those special performances earlier this season, the first year has been a learning experience for most of the young players in the squad. Bitar, who just turned 25-years-old a few days ago, is still getting used to a new “veteran” role. 

“It was weird honestly because we had a lot of younger guys asking a lot of questions and usually I’m the young guy that’s asking a lot of questions,” recalls Bitar. “It was a good thing to go through. I try to just support everyone and try to keep a good vibe within the team.”

Obviously, fighting for titles is something that every footballer dreams about but Bitar feels that putting that pressure on the team for this season could distract them from finishing on a high note. “[The objective] is to get as many points as possible out of these next seven games and just try to play our best football as a team.

“We could play spoiler, which is always great. Hopefully upset a couple of teams and make their lives a little harder to get into the playoffs,” says Bitar.

With a clear directive in his mind, Bitar is focusing on taking each game as they come and continuing to improve mentally and physically no matter what lies ahead. The one thing we do know for certain is that Bitar will be staying away from cookies for a while, “I have to, man. It’s working, it’s working.” 

Support #11 Gabriel Bitar and the rest of the Eagles this Sunday, September 3rd, as they take on defending champions Hamilton’s Forge FC for the final time this season. Purchase tickets here now!