Brek Shea

The strong, speedy winger can't wait to score his first goal for the American team. It's coming.

Fvt_sheabrek_isi_usmntbf02292012f159_qlead Bernd Feil/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

I was in my house kicking a ball in the kitchen and I told my mom I wanted to play this "soccer" sport.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

I don't know, but my favorite player is Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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

We were in Philly, and we were playing in the Union Stadium. We were playing Colombia. I was just excited to be there and hopefully get in. I ended up starting. I was still really nervous, but it was a good experience and it was fun.

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

Being able to run full speed with guys chasing you and still have the control and composure to find players or put it in the back of the net.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

They are very stubborn.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Confidence and belief.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

My heading.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

Jurgen Klinsmann and myself [Laughs].

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

I have a couple. Probably Juan Agudelo, Eric Avila, or Dax McCarty.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Playing for the national team.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Not scoring for my country. Yet.

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

Never give up.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Probably [Clint] Dempsey.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

[Andrea] Pirlo, for Italy.

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

I'd be trying to play some other sport.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Playing for and scoring a goal for the U.S. National Team in a World Cup.

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