Sam Cronin
The hard-working San Jose midfielder dishes on what makes him great.
- 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
October 04, 2012
8:00 PM
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Howard C. Smith/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
I have three brothers, and they all played. My dad coached when we were young, so I would play with them and chase them around.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
I never had a true role model in soccer, but I would always watch games and take bits and pieces from guys here and there.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
[Did not answer]
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Guys who work for the team and that’s their first priority is definitely admirable.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Selfish players. Someone who is more concerned with their own awards and their own play than the success of the team.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
I’ve been fortunate to be around good players and coaches since high school. I’ve been lucky to learn from them.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
I wish I was a lot faster.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My parents. The lessons they’ve instilled in me since I was young have stuck with me and translated into me becoming a professional in the game.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
I can’t pick one, but I have definitely made tons of friends.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Playing in the Gold Cup to get my first cap, as well as making the playoffs in 2010. Beating the Red Bulls was a pretty amazing moment.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Not making the playoffs is disappointing, so whenever you fail to make it is definitely disappointing.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
To keep growing and working. If you keep working hard and moving forward then success will find out.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
With the Earthquakes–playing with Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon, Steven Lenhart–and all the goals we’ve scored this season is very, very impressive.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
I’d say Dwayne De Rosario. He’s proven in his time in the MLS that he’s a premier midfielder, and you always have to be aware of where he is or else he’ll hurt your team.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Luckily, I haven’t had to come up with an answer to that question yet. Hopefully I have a few more years in MLS before I answer that.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Individually, you want to look back and have some championships. Broader than that, I want to look back and be proud of what I’ve accomplished.
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