May 30, 2008
VI Questions with John DiRaimondo
I. How did you get injured and how close are you to returning?
I was injured in a play right at the end of the half against San Jose. I went for a slide tackle and my left foot got stuck in the ground. I landed on my foot and rolled over on my ankle. I have started to practice without any restrictions so hopefully I will be back within a week or two.
II. Your first MLS game was the season opening victory over Los Angles. Tell us how you found out you were going to start and how that news made you feel.
Well, throughout preseason I was getting to play with the first team so I thought that there would be a decent chance that I would get the nod in the opener but I wasn't sure. The day before the game we were going over shape and I was in the lineup so I pretty much knew for sure the day before the game. Once I found out I was going to be in the lineup I was very excited to get a chance to go out there and play.
III. What is it like for a young player to line up against the likes of David Beckham and Landon Donevan?
During the national anthem I was kind of in awe, but once the whistle blew I knew I had to get down to business. At that point you just have to go out and play and you kind of forget about everything else.
IV. You played in the USL's Premiere Development League for Chicago. What was the experience like and do you feel the PDL is a good place for college players play?
Playing for the Chicago PDL team was a great experience. They went about training and games with a very professional approach and I believe that helped me prepare for the professional ranks. I also feel that PDL is a great place for college players because it gives them much needed training and games during the summer months when they are away from their schools.
V. As a member of the U-17s and visiting places like Guatemala and Finland, did you enjoy playing international games? Did any one game or country provide an exceptional experience?
I loved playing internationally. Traveling to different countries and getting to experience their cultures was one of the best parts of the experience. I think South Korea was probably the most interesting and exciting place I visited. When I was with the U-17s we played in a tournament there in front of 37,000 fans which was a great experience. They also treated us with great hospitality and respect.
VI. You've been playing soccer at the highest level for such a long time. Has there ever been a time or situation where you simply didn't enjoy the game?
I can't say there has every been a time during my career where I didn't enjoy the game, but there have been several times where I didn't enjoy the way I was playing. I think every player goes through hard times where they question their game and their abilities, but that's natural. With that being said, at no point have I every stopped enjoying the game.
Posted by mark at May 30, 2008 08:30 AM