Dillon Powers

The 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year talks about his earliest memories of soccer, the toughest opponents he has faced, and an inspirational quote from Tab Ramos.

Powersdillon_rapids538_qlead Garrett Ellwood/Colorado Rapids

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

My earliest memory of soccer is lying on my back as a toddler and having my Dad drop the ball to me and I would do a bicycle kick.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

My Dad because he was a professional player and I was able to watch all of his games.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.

I would go back to our first camp in Austin as a 14-year-old. It felt so cool to wear the kit that the full team was wearing. I think back then the jersey sponsor was Phillips. I was just so proud to wear it and it made me feel that one day I could be on the full team and play in a World Cup.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?

Deception.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

Guys that like to dribble.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Watching the best with a purpose and learning from every experience, practice, or game.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

There are quite a few I’d like to improve. I’d say my ability to beat people off the dribble.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

Although he probably has no idea and I was only with him for three or four camps over the course of a year as an 18-year-old, I learned an incredible amount from [U.S. U-18 coach] Mike Matkovich on what it takes to get the next level and develop as a player. I’d have to thank Bobby Clark for helping me develop my ability to “take over” a game and really be a leader on and off the field.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

My longtime friend Grant Van De Casteele who was just drafted by the Rapids this year. We have played together since we were 11 years old. The only year apart was the last one, when he took a fifth year at Notre Dame.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

I think being MVP of the Colorado Rapids in my first year was my greatest achievement. It meant a lot to me coming from the guys I play with day in and day out.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Probably getting upset in the NCAA tournament my senior year in college.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?

Something Tab Ramos said: “It's a professional world out there, and it's not going to give you anything. It won't give you anything. You have to take it."

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Harry Shipp at Notre Dame and Vicente Sanchez with the Rapids

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

Robbie Keane and Osvaldo Alonso

IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I’d love to produce music.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Mastery of your role.

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