After each game, I want to be able to say: I gave it all I could, I gave it my best.

English muffins with avocado is one of my favorite breakfasts.

I got to experience soccer at the highest level at a young age; I decided I wanted to be part of that for as long as possible.

Soccer isn't very social. Plus, if you don't like someone on the other team, you can do something about it.

True champions aren't always the ones that win, but those with the most guts.

Focus on what you know you can do. Know what you're capable of on any given day, and what you can count on. Do the simple things well, and then use the confidence to build up the rest of your game. Learn to differentiate between what is truly important and what can be dealt with at another time.

No-one gets an iron-clad guarantee of success. Certainly, factors like opportunity, luck and timing are important. But the backbone of success is usually found in old-fashioned, basic concepts like hard work, determination, good planning and perseverance.