Benny Feilhaber
The Brazil native has amassed 41 caps since 2007, is now a vital cog in the Sporting KC midfield, and—who knew?—is tight with Sacha Kljestan.
- 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
November 29, 2016
1:00 PM
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Bill Barrett/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
When I was four years old I used to go to a—I don't know what you would call them here but they have them in Brazil—it was a soccer club for futsal. Indoor. It wasn't like a club team or anything like that. But we would always get together and play.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
My dad taught me soccer so he could be my soccer hero. Player-wise, there was this striker for Botofogo, the team I used to like. His name was Tulio and he was our leading goal scorer. He was a childhood hero.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
The first time I suited up for the U.S. Bruce Arena was in charge. I suited up but didn't play. The first game I played was with Bob [Bradley]—against Ecuador in 2007 I believe. It was great. I started. We won 3-0. Landon, I think, got a hat trick. It was a great feeling to play for your country.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
I admire intelligence in a soccer player—somebody who does the right things at the right times.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Laziness.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Consistency.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
Scoring.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My dad.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Sacha Kljestan.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Playing in the World Cup.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Not beating Ghana in the World Cup.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
If you're not improving, you're getting worse.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Rafael van der Vaart and Vincent Kompany.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Internationally, Spain and Brazil. Domestically, the best teams in England and Bayern Munich.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I would love to be a singer but I don't have a good voice. I would love to be an actor but it's more about opportunity (I think I could make it). To be honest, I think I'd be an Econ or Business Econ major. I don't know what I do with that.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Winning.
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