Post by QPR Report on Aug 21, 2009 6:18:19 GMT
Nothing major, here
Goal.com
Quick Kicks: Colorado's Matt Pickens
In this week's 'Quick Kicks' Goal.com's Kathryn Knapp sat down with Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
Matt Pickens
Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens began his professional career with the Chicago Fire in 2004. Now in his fifth MLS season, Pickens returned to the league after spending spring 2009 with Queens Park Rangers. Pickens joined the Colorado Rapids in January and has since been working to earn a starting position.
This season, the St. Louis native has made 16 appearances, with five shutouts and a 1.2 GAA. Pickens earned the starting spot over veteran goalkeeper Preston Burpo, who has started four matches for the Rapids in 2009. Colorado (8-6-6, 30 points) is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
Pickens earned himself a starting spot on the Fire after leading the club to its fourth U.S. Open Cup championship in 2006. The 2007 season became his breakout year. And then in 2008 he left to explore overseas options. It was an up and down experience for Pickens, but he is now enjoying his time in Colorado.
Pickens is spending time getting to know Denver, while fine-tuning his fishing and football skills. Sunday, Pickens will return to the place where his professional career began for the first time since walking off the Toyota Park pitch in 2007.
“Chicago was always good to me,” Pickens said. “I liked every moment of playing with the Fire. It’s going to be fun to play in the old stadium and see all the guys again. But I want to take three points… That’s what I’m going there for.”
Pickens sat with Goal.com for an exclusive interview and answered the Quick Kicks questions.
Nickname: Slim, Picks
Club Supported: U.S. Men’s National Team – I can’t say there’s one
club that I support more than any other. But with the USA, you have to
support your country.
Strengths: I don’t think too much. I just react. When I think too much
it’s bad for everyone. When I just react I play well.
Weaknesses: Over-thinking definitely.
Soccer Heroes: I don’t really have any soccer heroes, but I am a fan
of Kasey Keller.
Career Highlight: Winning the U.S. Open Cup Championship with the Fire in 2006 at Toyota Park. It was a 3-1 win over Los Angeles, and
definitely the biggest game of my career to date.
Views on MLS: MLS is definitely growing. From the year I entered
until now, it’s definitely made huge steps. I see the league gaining
respect and publicity.
Biggest Influence: My family, especially my three older brothers.
Without them I wouldn’t be playing soccer.
Tunes on the iPod: “Simple Man” Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Out Last Night” Kenny Chesney, St. Lunatics
Dream Car: I’m not really into cars, but I would enjoy a nice good
fishing boat or maybe even a retirement boat.
Favorite Movies: Troy, Top Gun, Departed
Something We Don't Know About You: I was an Academic All-American First Team.
In Five Years: In five years I hope to be happy, healthy and still
playing professional soccer.
Kathryn L. Knapp, Goal.com
For more on the Colorado Rapids and MLS, go to Goal.com’s Major League Soccer page. Advertisement
www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2009/08/20/1451492/quick-kicks-colorados-matt-pickens
Goal.com
Quick Kicks: Colorado's Matt Pickens
In this week's 'Quick Kicks' Goal.com's Kathryn Knapp sat down with Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
Matt Pickens
Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens began his professional career with the Chicago Fire in 2004. Now in his fifth MLS season, Pickens returned to the league after spending spring 2009 with Queens Park Rangers. Pickens joined the Colorado Rapids in January and has since been working to earn a starting position.
This season, the St. Louis native has made 16 appearances, with five shutouts and a 1.2 GAA. Pickens earned the starting spot over veteran goalkeeper Preston Burpo, who has started four matches for the Rapids in 2009. Colorado (8-6-6, 30 points) is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
Pickens earned himself a starting spot on the Fire after leading the club to its fourth U.S. Open Cup championship in 2006. The 2007 season became his breakout year. And then in 2008 he left to explore overseas options. It was an up and down experience for Pickens, but he is now enjoying his time in Colorado.
Pickens is spending time getting to know Denver, while fine-tuning his fishing and football skills. Sunday, Pickens will return to the place where his professional career began for the first time since walking off the Toyota Park pitch in 2007.
“Chicago was always good to me,” Pickens said. “I liked every moment of playing with the Fire. It’s going to be fun to play in the old stadium and see all the guys again. But I want to take three points… That’s what I’m going there for.”
Pickens sat with Goal.com for an exclusive interview and answered the Quick Kicks questions.
Nickname: Slim, Picks
Club Supported: U.S. Men’s National Team – I can’t say there’s one
club that I support more than any other. But with the USA, you have to
support your country.
Strengths: I don’t think too much. I just react. When I think too much
it’s bad for everyone. When I just react I play well.
Weaknesses: Over-thinking definitely.
Soccer Heroes: I don’t really have any soccer heroes, but I am a fan
of Kasey Keller.
Career Highlight: Winning the U.S. Open Cup Championship with the Fire in 2006 at Toyota Park. It was a 3-1 win over Los Angeles, and
definitely the biggest game of my career to date.
Views on MLS: MLS is definitely growing. From the year I entered
until now, it’s definitely made huge steps. I see the league gaining
respect and publicity.
Biggest Influence: My family, especially my three older brothers.
Without them I wouldn’t be playing soccer.
Tunes on the iPod: “Simple Man” Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Out Last Night” Kenny Chesney, St. Lunatics
Dream Car: I’m not really into cars, but I would enjoy a nice good
fishing boat or maybe even a retirement boat.
Favorite Movies: Troy, Top Gun, Departed
Something We Don't Know About You: I was an Academic All-American First Team.
In Five Years: In five years I hope to be happy, healthy and still
playing professional soccer.
Kathryn L. Knapp, Goal.com
For more on the Colorado Rapids and MLS, go to Goal.com’s Major League Soccer page. Advertisement
www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2009/08/20/1451492/quick-kicks-colorados-matt-pickens