Cody Cropper
The six-foot-three Atlanta native is making steady progress for Southampton in the Premier League and progressing up the ranks of the U.S. men's national team.
- 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
April 21, 2015
12:20 PM
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John Todd/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
My earliest memory of soccer growing up is when I would go and watch the high school team my Dad coached, St. Pius X in Atlanta. One of the benefits of it being his team was that I was allowed to train with the team after school. The consisted of players such as Ricardo Clark, Mike Mecerod, Tommy Mauer, and Peter & Chris Island.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
The one and only Captain Fantastic—Steven Gerrard!
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
I was playing for Thomas Rongen’s U-20 team in a tournament in Holland. The thing I remember most about the trip is when we played Senegal in a 0-0 draw and every single one of their players was as big, if not bigger, than myself. Itmade our team look like a group of midgets running around the field.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Hard work—I believe that without it as a player are nothing. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
A talented player who is lazy.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Hard work, staying grounded, and never forgetting where you came from.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
Consistency in technique with my left-footed distribution.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
Both my Mom and Dad. Of course for different reasons but without what they both did for me over the years I wouldn’t be where I am today.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Kelvin Davis at Southampton FC.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Representing the USA in the U20 World Cup in Turkey.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Losing to Mexico in extra time, 3-1, when we played them in the U-20 CONCACAF Championship.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
You have to respect the game or the game will not respect you.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Wil Trapp and Deandre Yedlin for the U.S.; Connor Wickham for Ipswich Town FC; James Ward Prowse, Harry Reed, and Matt Target for Southampton FC.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Mexico, Spain, France, and Ghana both in qualifying and in the U-20 World Cup.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Going to college in the U.S. and trying to figure out my future like every other normal 22-year-old.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Having earned the respect of both my teammates and opponents even after I retire.
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