Edson Buddle

The forward is strong, physical, and fast, but can he make an impact on the international level?

Fvt_buddleedson_isi_mlsdb03182012152_qlead David Bernal/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

Playing with kids on the side of the field when my dad was playing. It wasn't organized.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

Pelé.

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

My first time with the youth team was more exciting, I think. I was younger, so I built it up in my head. I was 14 against Norway in Slovakia.

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

Scoring goals. It's not easy.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

Laziness. That's my pet peeve.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Doing the little things. Preparation and preparing the right way.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

I can always improve my left foot. I can use it, but it can get better.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

My dad first. Then various teams, coaches, and peers after that.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

At this point, I would say my teammates here on the Galaxy.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

I think making the 2010 World Cup team.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

When I was 18, the U-20 coach told me I wasn't ready to make that team. I was disappointed that I wasn't ready for that level.

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

Dealing with adversity. When things are not going your way, that's what makes you the person you are. When you're injured or you get tackled, you have to get back up.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Landon [Donovan], one. David [Beckham]. Robbie [Keane]. They are all good players. Youri Djorkaeff. Brian McBride. Jeff Cunningham. There are a lot of good players I've played with. I've been fortunate. Clint Dempsey. [Laughs] Johnny O'Brien. Claudio Reyna. I could probably go on and on. I'm a fan of the game, so I like a lot of players.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

England was a tough opponent in the World Cup. Brazil is tough. I would say Brazil over England. That was a really tough game.

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

Probably be playing baseball.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Winning a championship. Working hard and doing everything you can to win a championship. At the end of the day, that's what it's about.

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