Q: Talk about your first three Sporting KC appearances.
Everyone on the team knew that we had a bunch of games coming up, and Peter told all the players to be ready for playing time. I kept my fingers cross that I’d be able to play a little bit during that stretch of games, and I got lucky to make my first start in Seattle with Soony Saad and Jacob Peterson. I thought we played well as a team and I was proud of my performance. We got a good result there, and then to get out (Tuesday, June 26) in front of the home fans at Livestrong Park was great. It was my chance to show the fans what I could do as a player, and it was really big for my confidence.
Q: What was it like to make your Sporting KC and MLS debut in front of 45,000 Seattle fans?
I think it helped that we were playing in such a tough environment. That big stadium gets your adrenaline pumping, which helped me stay focused the whole game. It was just a great environment to play in – the environment the Seattle fans produce is crazy. I’m glad my first start was there, rather than in a smaller stadium where the atmosphere maybe wouldn’t have been as good. I just went out there and played like I had nothing to lose. I was high on emotions, but I kept a cool head and we got a good result.
Q: Comment on the squad’s depth and the faith coach Vermes has on the lesser used players.
I’m just one example of someone who can step in and help the first team. We have three quality players at every position. All the starters are extra focused because they know that others on the team could come in and do their job just as well. Peter has shown faith in everyone, and we are all getting our chances on the field. It also helps that everyone wants it for each other – that gives us all a lot of confidence. I think we have the depth to do big things, but it’s still kind of early in the season so we need to continue to improve.
Q: What are the biggest challenges of playing seven matches in 22 days?
Physically it’s more demanding on our bodies, but as players we kind of enjoy it. There’s nothing better than playing in important games every week. From now on we’ve got to focus on the Eastern Conference as well as the U.S. Open Cup. It’s times like these where our depth has to show. We all need to be ready. Obviously playing a lot is a challenge, but we’re up for it with the team we’ve got.
Q: How hungry are you to win the U.S. Open Cup?
The Open Cup is huge. Everyone wants to play in the CONCACAF Champions League, and winning the cup gets you there. We went into the season with the goal of winning as many trophies as we can. We can’t wait to go to Philadelphia (for the Open Cup semifinal) because we got embarrassed there the first time. Hopefully we can show them a better idea of what we’re made of.
Q: You were selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. Why did you then decide to play in Sweden rather than in MLS?
I was in San Jose for about week and really enjoyed it there. But my agent called and told me there was a team in Sweden that was interested in me. As a kid I always wanted to play overseas. So when that opportunity came, I talked to San Jose and my agent and just went for it. I wanted to make the best decision for myself. Halmstads BK had me on trial for three weeks, and luckily I was able to sign over there. I was pursuing my dream overseas, and I’m glad I did. I have no regrets.
Q: How does the Swedish top flight compare to MLS?
It’s a good league. I’d say it’s more physical than MLS. They play a little more long ball over there, too. The game is less possession-based. For me, I like to keep possession, so I had to adjust to the different tactics. I do think MLS is a better league – there’s more athleticism here, and the players are technically better.
Q: What was your living situation in Sweden like?
I was lucky enough to have a roommate on my first team (Halmstads BK) who also went to Notre Dame. I lived in a condo with him for the first six months. Then, when I switched teams (to Ljungskile SK), there was another American on that team, so we lived together for a year and a half. We were able to talk about American shows and music, and we had some common interests. The people in Sweden were very welcoming and they all spoke English, which gave me an excuse not to learn Swedish. The music and TV was pretty Americanized, so the lifestyle wasn’t too drastically different. The one big difference was summer and winter. Days in the summer would be really long, and winter days were short and cold. In January and February, we would train at 2 o’clock in the afternoon under the lights because the sun had already gone down.
Q: What made you want to return to the U.S. and Major League Soccer?
I’m good friends with Matt Besler, and he had been keeping me up to date on everything in Kansas City. Sporting had shown some interest in me, though I wasn’t sure how serious it was. My time overseas was good, but I was ready for next challenge. If I could go to a team like Sporting, it would have been a step up from where I was at in Sweden. I could have stayed and played a lot, but seeing how big Sporting had become, that was just something I couldn’t pass up.
Q: Describe your emotions when your hometown club Sporting KC acquired your rights in January.
I was overjoyed. We overuse the term, but it was a dream come true. It really meant a lot to me and to the other homegrown guys. Playing with your friends in your hometown is great. You want to win for the city, for your friends, and for yourself as well. There were a lot of emotions when I joined (Sporting KC), but the biggest one was excitement.
Q: What is it like to be reunited with Matt Besler, with whom you played on the same club team in high school and at Notre Dame?
Besler and I didn’t know each other too well until we played together at Notre Dame, but we connected right away. Since we were coming from the same area, we had a lot in common. Even now, we both feel very comfortable with each other on the field. We have that connection, and if we can keep it going in MLS it can only benefit the team.
Q: What is your preferred position, and what are your strengths as a player?
I’m center (midfielder) and more of a defensive minded player. I’m aggressive, but I also communicate a lot and try to keep things simple. I like to go forward as much as I can, but as a defensive midfielder I have to be very disciplined. I’m kind of a conductor – I need to make sure everyone is in the right place and doing the right things. I also pride myself on my work ethic.
Q: Why do you wear the number 88?
I was always number 8 growing up, and when I signed here, and I was told that all the numbers from 1 to 30 were pretty much taken. And I wasn’t taking number 8 from Zusi – he’s the man. I never thought I’d wear a high number, but I was born in ‘88, I had always worn number 8, so I went with 88.
Q: Is there anything special you want Sporting fans to know about you?
I think the fans are always going to get my best effort. I have a lot to learn and a lot to improve, but I want to bring back championships to Kansas City. I’m going to do as much as I can to contribute. Whether that’s playing every minute or just playing here and there, I’ll work hard regardless.
