You may keep up with Sporting Kansas City on the pitch, but what about away from the field?
Just Because, presented by Hallmark, is a feature series on SportingKC.com that provides an exclusive look into the lives of players outside of soccer—because everyday moments are sometimes worth celebrating just like a game-winning goal.
In the eighth edition of Just Because, we catch up with Tim Melia, who joined Sporting Kansas City in 2015 and has since become the winningest keeper in club history and one of the premier goalies in Major League Soccer.
What is the best part about living and working in Kansas City?
I love the sense of community. It's a great place to raise a family and everyone here is so welcoming.
What's your favorite place to eat in town and what do you order?
The rack of lamb at J Gilbert's. Tough to beat!
If you could go professional in another sport, what would it be and why?
Probably baseball. That's a sport you can play for a long time, well into your 30s.
Which athlete did you look up to most as a kid?
I didn't watch a whole lot of soccer as a kid, but it would have to be Edwin van der Sar. He was a goalkeeper who played for the Netherlands and Manchester United, Ajax and a few other clubs.
Who is your favorite musical artist and what is your favorite type of music to listen to?
Nowadays I'm all over the place. Since I moved to Kansas City, I've gotten more into country. I've always loved Sublime, though. They were my group growing up.
What's the best concert you've ever seen?
Dave Matthews Band was excellent live. I saw them at Madison Square Garden in New York City back when I was in college.
What's your favorite movie?
Every time I get asked this question, I go back to "Con Air." It's kind of a weird crime movie. But these days I prefer comedies, and "Stepbrothers" cracks me up every time.
Are there any TV shows you're currently hooked on?
Nothing currently, but I recently got into Top Boy. It's an interesting British drama.
What other professional sports teams do support?
I'm a big New York Giants fan, but I don't actually watch sports much. My kids have kind of taken over.
What's your favorite place for a vacation?
I'm a beach guy. So anywhere I can set up on a beach, I'll be happy. In terms of coolest places I've visited, that would probably be Austria. It's an absolutely beautiful country with so much culture and so many things to do.
What do you put on your pizza?
Pepperoni. You don't need anything else.
What is the biggest piece of advice you would give someone?
Be patient.
If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?
A lion. They're big, powerful animals who know how to lead a pack, but they can also be chill and hang out.
Do you have any gameday rituals, traditions or superstitions?
I used to clean a lot around the house. I'll eat the same food in the few days leading up to each game as well.
What accomplishments off the soccer field are you most proud of?
Starting my own family.
Who have been the biggest influences on your life?
My wife and my dad.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate, caring and efficient.
As the dad of two young kids, what does your morning and nighttime routine look like?
In the morning I wake up and get the bottles ready, get my daughter dressed, plop her down on the couch with her milk, go back upstairs and grab my son and do the same thing. It feels like it takes an hour to get them dressed and out the door. I'll take my daughter to daycare and my wife will take our son. I'll go to training, get back home and by 5:30 we're feeding the kids again. Then it's bath time, reading time and bed time. Usually we get that wrapped up by 7:30 or 8 o'clock.
What do you like most about being a dad?
In professional sports, it's very easy to get wrapped up in every result. At the end of the day, my kids are a welcome escape because they truly just want you around. It's an amazing feeling.
What advice do you have for teammates like Seth Sinovic who are about to become a dad?
You've got to be patient. You and your wife are going to be tired. The first six months are kind of a fog, but you'll really start to enjoy it once they start to become little people.
