Graham Zusi

Sporting KC's creative midfielder talks his first U.S. appearance and playing Manchester United.

Fvt_zusigraham_isi_mlsnt120818033_qlead Nick Turchiaro/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

Playing for my team the Little Lions when I was four years old. We won the league championship on PKs.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

Zinedine Zidane.

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

It was very exciting. The first time for any player is an honor and the emotion of it is pretty high.

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

The ability to play calm under pressure.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

I don’t have one.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Hard work and perseverance.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

Didn't answer

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

Didn't answer

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

Didn't answer

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Collegiate national championship, playing for the U.S. in a World Cup qualifier, winning the U.S. Open Cup.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Losing the Eastern Conference final was pretty heartbreaking.

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

Didn't answer

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Matt Besler.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

The toughest opponent was Manchester United.

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

I would work for NSCAA.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Obviously playing in the World Cup is huge. But success can be measured in other ways. It depends on the person.

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