Alan Gordon

The friendly forward talks about the reasons for his surprising rise.

Fvt_gordonalan_isi_mlsdf073011_006_qlead Don Feria/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

My team was the Dragons, I was six years old, and I played forward. It was more of a cluster, but we balled. It was a great time.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

Matt Bennett

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.

It was so surreal.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?

Someone who works hard and is dedicated.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

Anyone who is lazy.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

I always work hard and I’m very competitive.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

My speed.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

Adam Muth. He worked with me on a lot of my skills going into college.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

Chris Klein, Steven Lenhart, Ned Gradivoy, Chris Albright, and Sam Cronin.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Playing for the national team.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Not winning the national championship in college [at Oregon State].

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?

To overcome failure, to accept failure, and to grow from it.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Simon Dawkins, Chris Wondolowski, David Beckham, and Landon Donovan.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

Tyrone Marshall

IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

Be a firefighter.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Happiness.

Gordonalan Read His ASN Profile