Recent acquisition Amobi Okugo was in attendance Tuesday as Sporting Kansas City turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Okugo, who was traded to Kansas City from Orlando City SC on Monday, sat down to talk about his new club, life in Kansas City and everything else in between.
Tate Steinlage:How hectic have the last few days been, coming from one club on the East Coast to Kansas City?
Amobi Okugo: It was crazy. My family, with the exception of my brother who’s closest to me, we were all in Orlando last week enjoying the time. My last day, when they were about to leave, I came back from practice and told them I got traded, so everyone was rushing to help me pack. But it was good — it was a blessing I got traded before they left.
Steinlage: Those who know you know you’re versatile, with the ability to play in the midfield and on the backline. What should fans know about you off the field?
Okugo: I watch too much soccer. I’m chill — I like Netflix, Hulu and my best friends. Other than that, I’m just a low-key kind of guy.
Steinlage: What are you watching on Netflix and Hulu?
Okugo: Right now I’m watching Narcos, which is about Pablo Escobar. That is intense toward the end. I’m also watching Power on Starz, Mad Men — I could go on and on. I’m re-watching The Game because of my girlfriend, so that’s not my decision. Those are the main ones right now. I’ll get back to you.
Steinlage: What did it mean to you to have a show of support on Twitter after the trade was announced?
Okugo: It was a blessing because these are the same guys who were cussing me out when I was played here for Philadelphia [Laughs]. It was good to be on the positive side. Everyone talks about how great the fan-base is. You can see it when you play against the team, so now I’m excited to be a part of the team and have the fans on my side.
Steinlage: Do you feel like this will be an easier transition having been traded before from Philadelphia to Orlando?
Okugo: Oh yeah, I’m not even worried about the transition. The most important thing is getting on the field and playing. You can worry about the apartment stuff later. The most important thing is on the field.
Steinlage: Have any of your teammates told you places you must check out in Kansas City?
Okugo: I’ve already been to Jack’s (Jack Stack Barbecue). I have to go to Joe’s Kansas City. Everyone keeps bringing up the Plaza, but that’s about it.
Steinlage: Some distant fans, media and players alike view Kansas City as a metro lacking stuff to do. How do you feel about the city?
Okugo: Everyone I’ve talked to says it’s an underrated city. People used to call it a flyover city, but I don’t see that at all. Coming in from away trips and having friends on the team who I talk to on a daily basis, they really sold me on this team and on this city. I’m happy to be here. Hopefully I can get adjusted quickly and tell other people about how this city is not what you think it is.
