I. Your story of how you ended up in in MLS is extremely interesting. Tell us how you got started in the Mexican League and ended up playing for San Diego of the PDL?
After High School my Dad sat me down and asked me what I wanted to do. He told me If I wanted to go to school he would help me, but If I wanted to try playing at a high level I needed to do it while I was young.
I didn't have a lot of offers and only had a couple of small schools interested but I think deep down I always knew I wanted to try my hand at going pro.
That summer after graduation I made my way down to Pachuca. It was a rough two weeks. My tryout was ok not great, they told me they had a full roster and had no plans of making any changes.
Luckily for me there was a scout for Cruz Azul at one of the exhibition games I played in. He helped me with a tryout. I made the team and did well, but I was impatient and wanted more now. I left after my first season. Finally, after a frustrating season in Puebla I found myself in Durango Primera "A". Things didn't turn out they way I or anyone in the club had hoped. We were constantly losing and in threat of being relegated. Long story short... soccer wasn't fun anymore. It was my first look at all the politics and crap that came with it. So I left. Back to Vegas.
Thought about calling it quits and going back to school.
One day out of the blue a friend called and told me about this new D3 USL team that was holding tryouts in San Diego. He talked me into going.
It was interesting but fun. They offered me a contract and I said sure why not.
II. 2005 was an amazing year for you: MLS Champion, US Open Cup Winner, LA Galaxy MVP, and putting up 11 goals during the regular season. Were there challenges to going from a relatively unknown player that had nearly given up on his career to being thrust into the American Soccer Spotlight?
Yeah there sure was. My life was flipped upside down overnight.
I was a huge Galaxy fan. And thought I would never get a chance to play for my team. Injuries alone with some National Team call ups allowed me to have a chance. I just had fun. Before I knew it we were winning, I was scoring, people would even recognize me on the street.
It was all a little surreal.
I literally went from living out of the trunk of my car to being a celebrity guest at the White House, all in the snap of a finger. I guess the crazy part of it all was the recognition. I had the fortune of being a nominee in the Rising Star Category for The LA Sports Choice Awards. During this event I was on one of my first dates with my now girlfriend Kristi.
A stalky gentleman approached me and shook my hand. He said "I'm a Big Fan" I said "So am I!" He walked away. Kristi looks at me and asked "Who was that?" I doing a double take said " I think It's Roy Jones Jr." Editor's note. I'd love to meet the best pound for pound fighter perhaps in history!
III. You, along with Ugo Ihemelu, were traded to the Rapids in for the 2007 season. How were you informed that you had been traded and was it difficult for you transitioning from your 2005 success to being traded?
Ugo and I along with Troy Roberts were all roommates. I had been receiving phone calls all morning. It looked like a front office number. I finally answered and Alexi's secretary informed me that he needed to see me right away. I informed Troy who was the only one in the house. It seems Alexi needed to see Ugo as well. I got out of the shower ran down stairs only to find Troy and Ugo talking about Alexi's decision to trade Ugo. I was Shocked! I asked Ugo for who? He said Alexi couldn't tell him. I immediately knew I was involved.
It was a fairly smooth transition to be honest. This is a great bunch of guys. I can't think of anything that was rough... oh wait. The 2 feet of snow that awaited us as we set foot here maybe. But I have fallen in love with this beautiful City since then.
IV. Since coming to the Rapids, you've played both flanks and as striker. Where do you feel most comfortable and effective on the field?
I think I enjoy playing more as a Striker. Thats where I am most dangerous , to be quite honest that's were i have had my most success. But I do see myself being capable of helping our team in multiple positions. If it meant winning I would even put on the gloves.
V. You scored the first Rapids goal in DSG Park's history. Combining that fact with your celebratory jump into the stands in front of a sold out crowd, that goal will remain a Rapids highlight for history. Can you tell us what you experienced from the moment the ball went into the net?
Goals are blurs at the moment. I can tell you it's one of the most exhilarating experiences one can have. To have a packed house all cheering for you is pure joy. Being able to say I was the first to score at DSGP is something no one can ever take away from me, it's a big milestone for any big player to have, yet alone me. I hope we can give you all a lot to cheer about this season.
VI. If your teammates had a juggling contest with points given for style and how long they can keep the ball up, who would finish first and who would finish last?
That's an easy one. Longest and with style Kosuke Kimura.
On the other side of the spectrum Ugo Ihemilu.