Chris Wondolowski
San Jose's high-scoring forward never stops running. His effort brought him to the national team.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
May 20, 2016
12:00 AM
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David Bernal/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
I remember playing growing up, and there are pictures of me dribbling a ball ever since I could walk. Soccer has always been a big part of my life.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
I had a few. You know, my dad played soccer. I think he is the one who really taught me the game. But growing up, I think obviously [Eric] Wynalda played a big part. He was a great striker. I think [Jurgen] Klinsmann did as well. He was a great and another player that I looked up to.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
That was a dream come true, just to have and see that crest over your heart and hear the national anthem. It gave me chills.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Tenacity. Love that. Love anyone who is out there willing to just play and fight. Also, it can sometimes be a considered a low quality, but I think it’s in the best players.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
I am going to say dirty. I love tenacity and aggression, but there's no need to do dirty stuff.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
There have been a few. I think any of the assistant coaches that I have had really helped me work. When I was with Houston, John Spencer—who was also a great striker—really helped me develop as a player. And since I got to San Jose, I think Ian [Russell] has really helped me as well. We always work on finishing after training. So I would say those two have really helped me develop while in the league.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
I'll say my first touch, because if you don't have one you won't get a second touch. I'm constantly trying to improve my first touch.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
Probably my dad and my assistant coaches.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
I got a lot of good friends here. Jason Hernandez is probably my closest friend here. Brad Davis was probably my closest friend when I was with Houston. I still talk to him a lot.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Probably the Golden Boot. Yeah, I would have to say the Golden Boot 2010 season.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
I have a couple: losing the NCAA Championship Div. II. Also, losing in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals to Colorado, which was pretty disappointing.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
To never give up. You know, things might not always go your way and there will always be adversity, but you have to fight against it and just keep growing.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Stuart Holden is definitely one of them. [Dwayne] De Rosario. Brad Davis. Giovanni when he was here. He was definitely a special one. I love playing with [Steven] Lenhart. I think he has been the greatest partnership I have had with a forward. It’s just a joy to play with him.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
I am going to go with Pique. When the U.S. played Spain in Boston, I got a half against him. He is pretty good.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I think I would be teaching and coaching. I have always loved coaching soccer, but I'd get my degree in liberal studies to become a teacher.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Being happy and championships.
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