Andy Gruenebaum
The Crew's last line of defense might have a man crush on Eddie Gaven.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
June 04, 2013
10:45 AM
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Jose L. Argueta/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
I was on this team called the Brown Team. I think my Dad was the assistant coach and we would just kick everybody’s shins instead of the ball. And my brother was on the team.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
I don’t really remember having a specific guy that growing up I wanted to be like until later on when I was becoming more serious about soccer. I sort of leaned towards Brad Freidel a little bit.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
N/A
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Being a team player. I think it’s one of the most important things for the locker room. It’s why we’ve been successful here for so long.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Guys who are just here to collect a paycheck. Or guys who only care about themselves. It’s a team sport and you want guys that want to be here and want to win for the team and not themselves.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Everybody on my team keeping the other team from shooting.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
Saving the ball.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My wife. In college, we were dating for most of college, I went to her and told her I wanted to quit soccer and she convinced me to keep going. There were a couple times where I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for her. I’d say she did a pretty good job.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
I would say Eddie Gaven. The guy is a legend. Even though the guy doesn’t answer my phone calls or texts, he’s just someone I want to emulate every day of my life.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Obviously winning the MLS Cup in 2008 was huge. Just being a part of that team is something I’ll never forget.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Danny Cepero. That’s all you need to know. [Editor's note: Danny Cepero became the only MLS goalkeeper to score a goal in open play when he scored in 2008 against the Columbus Crew.]
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
Just to keep your head up whether you make a mistake or you do something really well just stay grounded. Act like you’ve been there and then when you make a mistake you have to pick yourself right back up.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Eddie Gaven. He’s been doing this since his mom dropped him off at Giants Stadium when he was too young to drive; he’s incredible. Plus he’s never stretched a day in his life—so that’s incredible.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Right now I’d have to say Thierry Henry. He’s pretty much had his way with us over the last year.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I’d be continuing with my band. It’s Sloan and the Keepers. #yellowswagband. Look for us.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Longevity. Obviously you can measure success with wins and losses but you really respect the guys who have been doing it for a long time and playing at a high level for such a long time.
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