October 21, 2008
VI Questions with Nick LaBrocca
I. In 2007, you played 67 minutes with the first team and now you've played the most with over 2200! How did you make it happen this year?
As a young professional, it’s very easy to get discouraged and impatient especially during a long season. I am so lucky and fortunate to have such great friends and family who have always supported and looked out for me even when times weren’t at their best. In my relatively inactive first year, my friends and family were the ones who kept me motivated me to continue to improve my game day by day. Playing more minutes this year is not something I could ever do on my own.
II. You're among the finalist for Class VI's Player of the Year award (given to Bouna Coundoul last season). Do you feel deserving and if you were to award it who would you give it to?
I am extremely honored to be considered one of your finalists for the player of the year award but an individual cannot be successful without his teammates, especially in soccer. There are so many quality and deserving players on our team so it would be too difficult to pick just one, or even two.
III. Tells us how things have changed for you and for the team since Gary Smith has taken over the team?
Since I’ve been a Rapid there was always great chemistry on the team. Once Gary took over the reins, we have had a much better understanding of individual roles both offensively and defensively which has been able to strengthen our team structure. The understanding of our roles is helping us form an identity and has been crucial in the late season push that we’ve been able to put together.
IV. Are you under contract for 2009 and do you have any plans of testing out the waters playing abroad?
I am under contract for 2009. Growing up I have always dreamed about playing overseas. Right now the only thing on my mind is a strong finish to this season and hopefully a strong playoff push.
V. What has been your highlight moment in your Rapids career?
Growing up, going to school and playing on the east coast, 90% of my games were within driving distance of home. So my family (especially my dad) would rarely miss a game. Without a doubt, my highlight moment would have to be our game in New England. Most importantly we won but the victory was sweeter than usual. Not only did I score my first goal as a professional but it was the first game my parents saw me in person play since college. It’s something I will never forget.
VI. Tell Rapids fans what's going on with you and your teammates psychologically as the team went undefeated in September to climb back into the playoff picture and at this moment being in danger of missing out if you don't win both remaining games?
It’s a great feeling to be able get back into the playoff picture at such a crucial point in the season. We dropped two games in a row, which would crush most teams but there was never any panic on our team. In the beginning of the week, we came focused on the game versus chivas and had a great week of practice. As a team, we know what we have to do. If we do what we’ve been doing the last ten games, I really like our chances.
Posted by mark at October 21, 2008 08:10 AM