Nick Rimando

Real Salt Lake's goalkeeper doesn't let anything get in his way, on or off the field.

Fvt_rimandonick_isi_mlsmp022053009_qlead Michael Pimentel/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

Playing AYSO and having headbands and wristbands to match my team colors.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

I looked up to Tony Meola and loved watching Eric Cantona and Maradona.

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

It was a cool experience because it was in front of my home MLS team fans, but it was even more special because it was always a dream of mine to represent my country.

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

The willingness to work for the person next to him; an honest player that never gives up.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

Didn't answer

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Hard work, never settling, and knowing you can always improve your game.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

Accuracy with my left foot.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

My dad. He taught me to never give up and to chase your dreams. If someone tells me I can't do something, he told me to go out there and prove them wrong. Thirteen years later I'm still playing pro after everyone said I wouldn’t because of my height.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

I'd have to say Ben Olsen, Kyle Beckerman, and Carlos Bocanegra.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Winning two MLS Cups and representing the U.S.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Losing the CONCACAF Champions League Final in front of our home fans to Monterrey.

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

Teamwork and being a leader.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

Jamie Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, Preki, Ryan Nelson, Clint Dempsey, Javi Morales, and Tim Howard.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Man United.

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

Be in the music business somehow.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Respect from players around the league, and raising the trophy.

Rimandonick Read His ASN Profile