In truth, 2007 was the hardest year of my life. I lost my best friend. I lost my father.

I think people who don't have conflict in their lives are just trying to please people and not really living life to the fullest.

I have a problem with players who don't take the loss personally. At a professional level you should - it's our job, it's our livelihood, it's who we are at this level. Every loss should be taken that personal.

I don't need a captain's band to lead a team to victory.

You're always going to survive the pain of loss. I can live with that confidence inside of me.

Female athletes are supposed to be toned down. You're always supposed to talk about the team and never stand out.

I never felt the same passion for the game in the States and there were a lot of headaches, a lot of obstacles to overcome - it didn't just run itself for the love of the game because soccer is not the No. 1 sport as it is in Europe.