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've been playing since I was little but I joined my first rec team during third grade. My dad taught me how to play and Michael DesLauriers influenced me a lot and he's always pushed me hard during practice.
What's been the single best moment of your soccer career thus far, at any level of competition?
The best moment for me was last year during the MRL. I was playing up with the U-16 and we needed a point to go to regionals and we were losing 1-0. I got the ball with a minute left and took it downfield and beat four defenders. When I got to the six-yard box, the keeper came out and I played the ball across the goal where our mid put in in. That was the last play of the game and it sent us to the regionals.
What are your long-term goals in the sport?
My long-term goal is to one day play professionally. I want to play for the Chicago Fire first team.
What has been the most valuable aspect of being trained by the Academy coaches?
The most valuable thing would be everything. They have all taught me a lot about the game. They are coaches who know what they are talking about.
What has training with the Academy taught you about yourself as a player and where do you need improvement?
The Academy has taught me a lot. It has showed me what the next level is like since I have never played at a level anywhere near to this. I've learned that I need to improve a lot on the ball.
What is the most difficult part of training with the Academy?
I think the hardest thing for me is to read the game more quickly and to be more consistent.
Does the training differ from past training you've had, and in what way?
The training is a lot faster and more intense than what I played on before. The overall quality is a lot better since my last team had no other players that could play at a high level.
Which of your Academy teammates impresses you the most and why?
Victor because he's really calm on the ball and he can do some dirty things with it.
Which of the other U-16 or U-18 Academy players impresses you and why?
Harry because he has such quick feet and great ball control and he can beat most players 1 v. 1. |
