The Houston Dynamo striker discusses his huge ambition, perseverance, Didier Drogba, and the hardest opponents he has lined up in opposition to.
Posted
June 20, 2013
4:14 PM
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Howard C. Smith/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
Most likely making the varsity in highschool as a freshmen. That’s most likely the principle factor that stands proud. [It was the] starting of being a bit of bit extra severe about soccer. Arising via the ranks I simply performed soccer to kinda simply play. Being a freshman and beginning that first varsity recreation, our convention was a reasonably good convention, I assumed it was fairly cool that our coach put me within the first recreation of the season and began me. It gave me confidence that possibly I might preserve doing this.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
Drogba. I’ve at all times preferred Drogba however since he left Chelsea, kinda eh. I preferred to observe him play, preferred to observe the Ivory Coast reason for him. I believe he’s a whole striker. He is huge, sturdy, highly effective however he additionally has a finesse about his recreation, which says so much about him. He is usually a huge goal ahead however get behind defenses and is sweet with the ball at his ft.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
It was superior. It was camp. It was good to get your title on the market and play and have the ability begin a relationship with the teaching employees and get to know the folks concerned in the entire program after which be capable to put on the jersey particularly on the house stadium at BBVA in entrance of the Dynamo followers is one thing that I’ll always remember.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Technical potential on the ball—first contact, trapping, and passing is one thing I’m at all times making an attempt to enhance. You possibly can by no means have too good of a primary contact.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Being too predictable. In the event you’re a striker, you’ll be able to’t do the identical factor each time individuals are going to catch on and simply defend that. You have to be artistic. You have to have the ability get previous the protection and put balls behind the web.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Willpower. I’ve been informed so much that I used to be not likely going to make it—too huge, too sluggish, all these items. But it surely’s enjoyable to show folks fallacious generally.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
There’s two. First contact. However I additionally need to enhance my left foot. That’s one thing I need to work on much more this 12 months. I do not need folks considering I am solely a one-footed participant.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My highschool coach Greg Vitello, Tom Howe, and Todd Yeagley, my coach at Indiana.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Luis Soffner and Tommy Meyer. I performed with them at Indiana. Luis was my roommate all three years I used to be at IU and he really obtained drafted by New England this 12 months so good for him. And I performed in opposition to Tommy within the MLS Cup. I assumed that was fairly cool as a result of we had been in the identical class at Indiana as nicely after which taking part in in opposition to one another on reverse groups within the last was one thing particular.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Getting a cap for the sport in opposition to Canada.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Most likely attending to the MLS Cup twice and dropping them each.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
Perseverance. Not every little thing’s going to go your approach and the way you deal with that adversity type of makes you the participant that you just develop into. You’ve your ups and downs. It’s a lengthy 12 months. Not every little thing’s going to be good, however you have to be levelheaded and combat via it. You possibly can’t get too mad when issues aren’t going your approach or too down on your self, however you’ll be able to’t get too blissful when issues are going your approach.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Brad Davis and Oscar Boniek Garcia
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Omar Gonzalez—he’s an enormous, sturdy centerback. Matt Besler, Chad Marshall
IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I’m making an attempt to complete up my diploma in train science, however I’ve been considering possibly I ought to’ve obtained it in psychology. After my soccer profession, I wish to get into teaching. I’m a aggressive individual. I like being round sports activities. I just like the surroundings of a crew and the camaraderie. It’s kinda like a household setting. That’s one thing that’s fairly particular, and that’s one thing I’d like to remain round.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Successful championships [and] representing your nation—these are two huge issues. In the event you might be fortunate sufficient to have each alternatives, that’s concerning the greatest honor you’ll be able to have.
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