Danny Cruz

The Philadelphia Union winger started playing soccer in high school as a way to stay in shape, but that hasn't prevented him from developing a solid MLS career.

Cruzdanny_isi_mlspg101411195_qlead Patricia Giobetti/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

My earliest memory of playing organized soccer is junior varsity during my freshman year of high school. It was something I did to stay in shape for American Football.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

When I started to love the game I thoroughly enjoyed watching Wayne Rooney play. He is carefree and works tirelessly to score goals.

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

My first experience with the U.S was with Bob Jenkins and the U-18 national team. I'll never forget putting on the U.S. jersey for the first time.

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

The ability to learn from mistakes. I believe this is truly what can make every single player in this world better.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

The off-the-ball stuff that maybe is not seen on TV. That stuff can get pretty dirty.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Taking the criticisms and the suggestions from different coaches and trying to make myself better every day. I've always learned that regardless of what I do people are going to doubt me because of my lack of years playing before high school, but the ability to learn and be critiqued is what has gotten me to my fifth year in the league.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

My service. I continue to work on making that part of my game better every day.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

I have been fortunate enough to have some amazing coaches and teammates in my career. It would be very tough for me to single one out.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

Nick DeLeon. He's someone who I can talk to and he knows he can come to me about any game. We critique one another constantly and push each other and that's why it's so easy to get along. We trust one another.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Playing in the U-17 and U-20 World Cup for the U.S. team.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Working so hard all year in 2011 and making it to MLS Cup...and falling short. I'll never forget the feeling in the locker room after the game.

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

The game has the ability to change people's lives: an autograph, a picture, a jersey. Being able to put a smile on a kid's face is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Tough question because I have played with some great players: Geoff Cameron, Stu Holden, Brian Ching, Chris Pontius, DeRo, Pat Onstad, Mike Farfan. I'm missing plenty but those are the first ones that come to mind.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

Jamison Olave, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Osvaldo Alonso, Brandon McDonald, and Heath Pearce are just a few that come to mind.

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

I would either hopefully be a lawyer or a teacher. Those are two things I think I'd enjoy.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Winning championships.

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