Wil Trapp

The Columbus Crew midfielder and former U.S. under-20 national team captain idolized fellow Midwesterner Brian McBride growing up, and it shows in his approach to the game.

Trappwil_isi_mlsmjb041314076_qlead Michael Burns/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

I think I was three years old, I was playing rec soccer. My dad was on the sideline screaming at me. It was just like 5v5, no goalies, so we were just running around. It was “bumbleball” as we called it.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

I would say Brian McBride.

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

It was an under-14 inter-regional game in Disney, Florida. I was so nervous, I couldn’t have been more nervous. But I ended up playing well. I think I played right mid. I remember I called my dad right before and right after.

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

I think someone who makes it look easy.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

I think someone who is always complaining.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

Hardwork. Dedication.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

Heading.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

I have a coach, Andy Uzomba, I met when I was six years old. I’ve worked with him the past 15 years.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

I don’t think I have one closest friend. All my best friends growing up played so no one in particular.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Captaining the U-20s at the Under-20 World Cup.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

Losing in the Sweet Sixteen my sophomore year at Akron.

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

There are ups and downs, but you’ve got to keep your highs low and your lows high.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

That’s a tough one. Federico Higuain. Scott Caldwell was another kid I loved playing with.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

In the U-20 World Cup we played against some quality, quality guys. Michael Bradley is another one. Paul Pogba.

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

Maybe something in the medical field.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

You play at a high level as long as you possibly can and win as much as you can, while being a model pro to the younger guys and the guys around you.

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