Danny Cruz
The Philadelphia Union winger started playing soccer in high school as a way to stay in shape, but that hasn't prevented him from developing a solid MLS career.
- 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
January 04, 2013
10:37 AM
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Patricia Giobetti/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
My earliest memory of playing organized soccer is junior varsity during my freshman year of high school. It was something I did to stay in shape for American Football.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
When I started to love the game I thoroughly enjoyed watching Wayne Rooney play. He is carefree and works tirelessly to score goals.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
My first experience with the U.S was with Bob Jenkins and the U-18 national team. I'll never forget putting on the U.S. jersey for the first time.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
The ability to learn from mistakes. I believe this is truly what can make every single player in this world better.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
The off-the-ball stuff that maybe is not seen on TV. That stuff can get pretty dirty.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Taking the criticisms and the suggestions from different coaches and trying to make myself better every day. I've always learned that regardless of what I do people are going to doubt me because of my lack of years playing before high school, but the ability to learn and be critiqued is what has gotten me to my fifth year in the league.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
My service. I continue to work on making that part of my game better every day.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
I have been fortunate enough to have some amazing coaches and teammates in my career. It would be very tough for me to single one out.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Nick DeLeon. He's someone who I can talk to and he knows he can come to me about any game. We critique one another constantly and push each other and that's why it's so easy to get along. We trust one another.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Playing in the U-17 and U-20 World Cup for the U.S. team.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Working so hard all year in 2011 and making it to MLS Cup...and falling short. I'll never forget the feeling in the locker room after the game.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
The game has the ability to change people's lives: an autograph, a picture, a jersey. Being able to put a smile on a kid's face is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Tough question because I have played with some great players: Geoff Cameron, Stu Holden, Brian Ching, Chris Pontius, DeRo, Pat Onstad, Mike Farfan. I'm missing plenty but those are the first ones that come to mind.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Jamison Olave, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Osvaldo Alonso, Brandon McDonald, and Heath Pearce are just a few that come to mind.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I would either hopefully be a lawyer or a teacher. Those are two things I think I'd enjoy.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Winning championships.
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