WHICH CLUB TEAMS DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING ON THE WEEKENDS?
Manchester City is one of my favorites! Always love the talent that they have on the roster and have had over the years. I really like that they could be so attack-minded and then play with patience and eventually go back to building up attacking opportunities on goal. Secondly would be Bayern Munich; very organized! They love to attack the goal and why not? They had two of the best goal scorers in the game in Thomas Müller and later when they picked up Robert Lewandowski. Always a good side to watch! And lastly, I will select Liverpool; one of the best all-around soccer teams in the world. Liverpool teams over the years were so talented in every area. Talk about attacking! Probably one of the best counter-attacking teams in the modern game.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER?
I knew during my senior year in high school that I wanted to play professional soccer. I was already playing with our US national youth programs and attending the New York Cosmos at the stadium and watching them on television made me decide that I wanted to play at the highest level. I wanted to be one of the first players to sign right out of high school and into the NASL, but after thinking it over and discussing it with my parents, we thought it would be better if I went to college. I played three seasons at Long Island University( LIU) in Brooklyn, but I couldn’ t wait any longer. I decided to forgo my last year at LIU and go into the NASL draft. I was selected by the Houston Hurricane. My professional career started from there.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES AS A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER?
Winning 2 MISL Championships with the New York Arrows, along with playing with some of the best players in the world! Also going on tour with the US U-19 team to West Germany. This was a month-long experience of playing against the best clubs and players. Another memorable experience was playing for the US Olympic team in a very prestigious tournament in the old Yugoslavia. We played against AC Milan and the national team of Japan. During the AC Milan game, I broke my nose on a hard elbow hit from the opponent! I thought it was over for me, but they patched me up and I was able to play the next game against Japan. I also remember scoring the only goal in our win against the Yugoslavian team. All of it was an amazing experience!
WAS PLAYING DEFENSE ALWAYS YOUR FAVORITE POSITION?
Defense was never my first choice or priority! As a young player( ages 9 to11), I started out as a forward playing in a 3-2-5 system; eventually moving into a midfield position playing more of a“ 10.” In college it is where I started to become more of a defensive player on the field. I played midfield and center back making“ All American” status at both positions. By the time I started playing in the NASL, Americans were only given opportunities to play as defenders. At that time, only two Americans were required on the field during the games; one was for goalkeeper and the other usually for defender. Almost all Americans that played in the NASL were probably defenders! The biggest honor for me was being selected NASL“ Defensive Player of the Week.” I learned to enjoy and play as a defender because it also gave me the ability to contribute offensively.
WHO WERE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST STRIKERS YOU HAD TO MARK AND WHAT CHALLENGES DID THEY PRESENT TO YOU?
Pelé, who needs NO introduction, but was the greatest player to ever play the game, period! It was my“ Junior” year at LIU and the local collegiate“ all stars” were playing the Cosmos in a friendly exhibition. I was just in full amazement and mentality on a“ different planet” playing against my idol. He was not only a wonderful human being, but a true gentlemen and great ambassador to the game, especially in the United States. Another tough striker would be Gerd Mueller of the West German National team, a former great with Bayern Munich and Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. Muller was one of the strongest players on ball; was very difficult to defend him because he was so strong physically that you had to respect his strength! But also, one of the best goal scorers of all time. Another tough striker would be Trevor Francis of the English National team, former great with Birmingham City and Detroit Express. Trevor was so smooth, fast on and off the ball; extremely difficult to defend. So much to his game he made defenders constantly think on how to defend! It was such an honor to play against him. Finally, it would be the great Georgie Best! The most underrated player and probably one of the most skillful players of all time! Due to his lack of any international participation in World Cup tournaments, this kept him to a minimal worldwide exposure, but what a masterful player he was!
WHO WERE SOME OF THE BEST COACHES YOU HAD IN YOUR SOCCER CAREER?
The first would be Don Popović, who coached with the NASL Rochester Lancers, San Jose Earthquakes; also, an MISL Coach with the New York Arrows, Las Vegas Americans, Pittsburgh Spirit, NY Express & St. Louis Storm. Secondly George Vizvary, former US Soccer Staff Coach, coached at Ulster County Community College, and coached at the professional level. Thirdly would be Timo Liekoski, former NASL coach with the Dallas Tornado, Houston Hurricane, Edmonton Drillers; former MISL Houston Summit, New Jersey Rockets & Cleveland Force; former US National team assistant and former MLS Coach with the Columbus Crew. The coaches mentioned here were very impactful and influential people in my life! They molded and helped me along with my journey and career in professional soccer. They believed in my ability and always gave me the opportunity to excel. They gave me confidence that I needed to get to the next level. I am extremely grateful and happy they played an important role in my career and life.
DESCRIBE YOUR EMOTIONS ON YOUR INDUCTION INTO THE HALL OF FAME WITH LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY, BROOKLYN CAMPUS.
That night was especially emotional because it was the first time being honored that way. I often wondered why it took so long given the achievements I earned during my career. It was a wonderful night I will always cherish it forever!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE COACHES OF AMERICA ON IMPROVING THE OVERALL ENJOYMENT OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME OF SOCCER?
First and foremost, I would tell them that they need to love the game, love teaching the game and being able to have a great line of communication with their players. Always remember on being a positive role model and always give their players tremendous confidence and reassurance! n
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