How old were you when you first started playing, who taught you to play and who most influenced your development as a young player?
I started playing when I was five years old. The person who taught me a lot of things and who influenced me was my father and my coach from club, Tom Zech. My father has always been there for me supporting me all of the time and Tom Zech taught me how to play the game, he believed in me and always pushed me to be a good player.

What's been the single best moment of your soccer career thus far, at any level of competition?
The best experience that I've had in soccer is winning a semifinal game in State Cup by beating the Chicago Wind.

What are your long-term goals in the sport?
My long term goals are to hope to make it as far as I can and hopefully make it professionally.

What has been the most valuable aspect of being trained by the Academy coaches?
Well it's every kids dream in Chicago to be playing in the Chicago Fire Academy. I'm very lucky to be here and also very lucky to have great coaches that push you and prepare you to play at the next level. Every day in practice I always learn something new.

What has training with the Academy taught you about yourself as a player and where do you need improvement?
Playing in the Academy has taught me that maybe at the next level that I may not be playing my natural position, which is center mid. Coming into the Academy I got switched to left back and I don't mind it at all and I actually like it. I need improvement in my speed and defending.

What is the most difficult part of training with the Academy?
The most difficult part for me is trying to relax in a practice session. I always try not to mess up and try to be perfect and some times that makes me play badly.

Does the training differ from past training you've had, and in what way?
Yes, it is way different than club training. The speed of the game is much faster. Also in club training we really didn't have players' focus as much as we do have here in the Academy.

Which of your Academy teammates impresses you the most and why?
Victor Pineda is a player that I look up to. Just the style of the way that he plays the game makes me want to work harder to be like him one day.