Matt Taylor has seen his career go from a struggle in MLS to one of the top 15 scorers in the 2 Bundesliga. He tells us all about it and more in this edition of YA Best XI.
I) What challenges have you had to overcome both on and off the field?
- Kim So Ju, Rock Point, Florida
My career has been a winding road as a professional. The answer to your question could easily fill a ten page essay!
While in MLS, I had played injured, and also missed important time due to hernia surgery, a broken ankle and other nagging injuries that affected my ability to perform. I also played for five different coaches in three0and-a-half years, and finding a permanent role was difficult due to the lack of continuity.
The infrequent opportunities in MLS were a real struggle for me mentally. The final year I spent in the US looking for teams and trying to find an opportunity to play overseas was another long and grueling challenge.
It was really tough being out of contract while still pursuing my professional soccer dream, and above all, maintain confidence in my ability. I have always had a love for the game and a willingness to learn and become a better player, which I believe has helped me achieve some success here in Germany.
I learned a lot during my time in the MLS and my journey to Europe, both about myself and the game of soccer, and today I feel that I am better player and better equipped to handle the challenges and adversities that go with playing professionally.
Looking back over the past year, I can't imagine being here and surviving the struggles without the help and encouragement I have received from the boys at Hollywood United, Anthony Lapaglia, Ian Carrington, and others that were crucial along the way Paul Agostino, Oliver Fischer, and many other friends and family members.
II) When was the first time you truly felt that you were a professional?
- Gee Lake, Deerfiel Beach, Florida
The first time I felt that I was a professional was when I signed my contract in 2004 with MLS. Even though I feel that player contracts and conditions in MLS are not ideal from a player's perspective, it was a good feeling to sign on the dotted line.
In Europe, I definitely feel that I am having a true professional experience that in many ways, at least for now, cannot be found in MLS. I am playing often in sold out stadiums full of passionate fans that sing and chant for 90+ minutes. Here the game means everything to the people, and every game is important.
III) How do you keep yourself busy away from soccer?
- Jack Johnson, Los Angeles, California
Up to this point, I have been busy with the adjustments of getting settled in a new country. The training schedule with the TsS is very difficult and many days we have two sessions, which doesn't leave much time or energy to spend away from soccer. Moving into a new apartment, going to school to learn the language, and using the Skype machine to call friends and family has occupied a lot of my time here in Koblenz.
When I have gotten the chance, I have done a bit of traveling, and it has been really nice to see some of Europe.
IV) The US has produced quality players, but none have yet shown true dominance in Europe, like foreign basketball and baseball players have here in the US Why is this and what must happen to American soccer and our players to produce players as dominant as those in Europe?
- Jason Hicks, Excelsior, Minnesota
For me, the US is still behind when it comes to our sport. Clubs out here have incredible youth systems established that develop players in a professional environment from the time that they are young boys. When kids are 14 or 15 in the United States they are often trying to figure out which sport to play and how to be cool in high school.
From the very beginning, boys here are doing everything they can to be the best soccer player that they can be and everything else is second. There is virtually no competition from other high profile sports in Europe that can attract the best players away from soccer.
V)Has anyone from the USMNT contacted you yet about bringing you in for a look a national team camp?
- Erik Abarca, Paterson, New Jersey
Thanks for asking, but no, I have not heard from the USMNT. I know that Bob Bradley's focus is on qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa. If I were asked to come to a camp for a look, it would be an honor.
VI) Matt, While you were in MLS, it always seemed like you were putting alot of pressure to finish, to score and to win a game for your American team. Now, overseas, you seem to have become more relaxed and doing what you know best. Did you put too much pressure on yourself when you were in MLS?
- Leo Perez, San Antonio, Texas
If anything, there is a lot more pressure to produce goals for TuS Koblenz. I don't see myself as a player who only goes out to score goals, I really never have. I am a player that tries to create goals for my team, if that means scoring them, I am happy to do this, if that means passing to a player in a better position, that is just as valuable to me.
I feel comfortable in front of the goal right now, which is a very good thing. I have pretty evenly balanced goals and assists with Koblenz and I am comfortable in the role that I am playing. When I played in MLS, I had difficulty finding that comfort level on the field and in front of the goal. I have been given the chance to play consistently here, something that for many reasons I did not have in MLS and I think that has helped my game in front of the goal.
VII) What would you say has been the most helpful aspect of German style soccer to your game personally?
- Bryan Dunham, Wichita, Kansas
Personally, the opportunity to play has been the key to any success I have enjoyed so far. It is difficult to pinpoint an aspect of the German style of soccer that is helpful.
My team has a large number of foreign players, including two national team players from Slovenia, one from Finland, one from Albania and one from Korea, and players that have played Champions League for Partizan Belgrade, Red Star, and several other players from different countries.
I'm not sure if our team even plays a German style of soccer given all of the outside influence. There are some very high quality players on my team, and it is always easier to improve and play well with good players.
VIII) It seems like a good amount of American players are ending up in Germany. What do the German coaches like about American players and the qualities they possess?
- Andrew Baggaley, West Chester, Pennsylvania
This is a tough question for me to answer, because I have only had one coach in Germany. After talking to people and listening to what they have to say about Americans, it is apparent that they value the competitiveness and desire to win that many American soccer players possess.
The willingness to fight and work hard on the field for themselves and for the team is also evident. Many Americans have strong physical qualities like strength, speed and endurance. The physical and mental qualities that many Americans possess are attractive to coaches.
IX) What would you say that MLS needs to do to keep players like yourself in the league? What was your biggest complaint of how the league is structured?
- Andrew Chester, Poway, California
The obvious reasons for players to leave the US would be money and opportunity; it is difficult with a salary cap and the lower interest level in the sport.
In Germany, for example there is so much opportunity to climb the pay-scale and play for better teams in Europe. It seems that the sky is the limit here. If a player has a good season, a better team can buy him, which is a win win situation. The player then gets to play on a better team with better competition and also earns more money.
In MLS, if a player has a good season, not much will happen because this player probably has a long term contract with minimal, non-performance based increases factored into the deal.
MLS teams do not sell or buy players within the league and there is no incentive when players are traded. This structure inhibits players from realizing their true value. If MLS adopted a promotion-relegation system, and let the free market determine player values, both fan and player interest would increase.
The current system may have been necessary to the formation of the league, and MLS will probably evolve into something closer to the European model.
X) What is the strangest thing you have encountered in Germany?
- Glen Burch, Baltimore, Maryland
This is easy, Winning against (at the time) first place Kaiserslautern and then the next week Losing 9-0 on the road against Rostock (even on points)!
I have never seen anything like it in my entire life.
XI) What is your relationship with the team's other American, David Yelldell like? What kind of teammate is he?
- Sasha Scott, New York, New York
It has been great to have David around this year. The guys around the locker room have shown their support for the USA by giving Dave the nickname of "Obama". There is a striking resemblance!
He is a quality guy and an even better goalkeeper. He has kept us in games that we didn't belong in. I have had the privilege of playing with some great goalies in my career, and I think Dave is up there with them.
I am pretty sure that within a year from now he will be bought by a first division team. I also see him getting the chance to play for the National Team. |
Currently visting YA: 263 
See these related articles
