Jack McInerney

For the 20-year-old forward, golddigging in Alaska will have to wait.

Mcinerneyjack_isi_mlshcs20120711204_qlead Howard C. Smith/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

My earliest soccer memory was running up and down the field at around age six, kicking the ball with my Dad.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

The person I loved watching most was Thierry Henry when he was at Arsenal. I have always played forward and wanted to score goals like him.

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

My first real experience was with the U-17 national team during the Nike friendlies against Turkey. A couple thousand people were there and it was my first international game on a stage like that. I was very nervous but actually did well in the game.

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

How smart they have to be. Good players must think one play ahead and it has to be done in a split second.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

Fitness. Weakest part of my game and is never fun to work on.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Working hard. If you're having a bad day with the ball, it can all be forgotten with good work ethic.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

Anything with my left foot. I neglected it as a kid and it could help me a lot in today's game.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

My Dad. He always pushes me and has taught me how to push myself. You can always go out and mess around but if you don't push yourself you’re not going to get better.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

Right now I would say Amobi Okugo. We have been together for the last three years, and even before then, on and off, during national team camps.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Just making it professionally.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Losing in the second round in U-17 World Cup. I missed a penalty kick.

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

It doesn't always go your way but keep your head up.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Carlos Ruiz. Natural born goalscorer.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

Defenders Jamison Olave (New York Red Bulls) and Nat Borchers (Real Salt Lake). Not only are they big and physical, but skilled too.

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

Hopefully in Alaska digging for gold.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Winning.

Mcinerneyjack Read His ASN Profile
AmericanSoccerNow.