SportingKC.com: How have you settled in at Sporting KC since arriving in January?
Jacob Peterson: It’s been a pretty seamless transition. The guys here are a really good group, and it really helps having a coach I’ve worked with in the past in Peter (Vermes). He’s the best coach I’ve had in MLS so far. He’s done a good job incorporating some of the young players. This is already a very strong team, and I’m looking forward to us getting better as the season goes on.
Can you discuss your relationship with Peter Vermes, having played for him while he was an assistant with the U-20 U.S. national team?
JP: As an assistant coach, you have a more personal relationship with players. So back then, he was one of those guys I really liked. He liked to joke around and poke fun, but he was also very demanding. Now that he’s the head coach, we still have that relationship we built back then, but it’s a little different since he’s the main guy. This being my seventh season in MLS, I’ve had a lot of head coaches – maybe seven or eight – and one thing I really respect about Peter is his honesty. He doesn’t try to beat around the bush. He’s really to-the-point and hands-on. As a player, that’s all you could ask for.
How has Peter helped you adjust to Sporting Kansas City’s philosophies?
JP: He’s been really helpful in terms of helping me learn the intricacies and movements of the 4-3-3 formation. Every coach has their preferred formation and way of playing, but Peter has done well helping me adjust. When you get constant feedback in training on what to do better, you love that as a player. When you’re doing it right, he’s there saying ‘Well done, keep going,’ and when that happens, you build confidence with the team.
Being a winger yourself, what are your thoughts on the 4-3-3 formation?
JP: It’s a lot of physical work, which is something I try to pride myself on. Back when I came into the league, I was a forward. So naturally I want to get into the box and score, but the last couple seasons with Toronto I played right back. So I got to become a more well-rounded player. But being a winger is something that I really like – I want to get behind defenses, outwork my outside back, and help the team.
What separates Sporting Kansas City from other clubs you have played for?
JP: I’ve been through a bunch of coaches – two with Colorado, three with Toronto, and one with San Jose. Each new organization or coach you come to is a transition. Everyone has a different philosophy, but here at Sporting, the system is set up for the players to succeed. And it starts up top with the ownership. They come to all of our games, on the road and at home. They’re always in the locker room; they’re always visible. As a player, that makes you want to fight for them. Our owners truly care, they’re very hands-on, and obviously our coaching staff is great. Four or five years ago, not many players wanted to play for the Kansas City Wizards. But with the new ownership and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, I think that this club has become a destination that players want to come to. Having played for a lot of teams, I can say that no one’s doing it better and there isn’t a team I’d rather play for right now.
What are your thoughts on the way the club is run in general?
JP: We’ve got a good, young group along with important veterans, and we’re also bringing up the youth. I think that’s a big thing. I don’t know if I’ve played on a team that has as many local guys than Sporting does. We’ve got a lot of guys from the Kansas City area, so we’re doing a good job building our own talent. Not all youth academies in MLS have a light at the end of the tunnel, but young guys here know there’s a chance that they can make it. Kevin Ellis, Jon Kempin, Matt Besler, Seth Sinovic, Michael Thomas…they’re all playing for their hometown club.
Discuss some of the team’s leaders and the impact they have on a daily basis.
JP: It starts with Jimmy Nielsen, our captain. Being a goalkeeper, he’s not out there on the field, but he’s still a great leader. In fact, this team has several leaders. When I played in Toronto, we had a lot of good players, but no leaders. Here in Kansas City, we’ve got a lot: Aurelien (Collin), Matt (Besler), Graham (Zusi). Some of them may not be very vocal, but they lead by example in training every day. Anyone can run their mouth and say whatever, but I respect the guys who put in the work, and there are plenty of those guys around here.
What are the highlights of your playing career thus far?
JP: College was a great time. Winning two national championships at Indiana (2003 and 2004) is a big highlight. I was playing with 20 of my best friends. At the professional level, you’re playing with colleagues. Sporting probably has the closest feel to a college team that I’ve experienced. In 2005, when I was playing with the U-20 national team, we beat Lionel Messi and Argentina 1-0. I don’t quite know how we won that game, but I remember Chad Barrett scored the only goal, and we managed to keep them out. That was a great group of guys and a great coaching staff with Peter, Sigi Schmid and John Harkes. I’m hoping that this year will bring me my best moment yet.
SKC: What are the challenges of playing in MLS…
JP: When you become a professional, things kind of change. Soccer becomes your profession. At the end of the day, it’s still a game and you want to have fun, but you’re also playing to keep a job. It’s funny because a lot of it depends on the locker room and the type of guys you play with. Some teams have guys who are mostly just playing for themselves. If the locker room is disoriented, you aren’t going to have success. As far as inspiring a love for the game, this is the best place I’ve been. We’ve got a lot of good professionals. We’ve got a deep roster with a young average age. Hopefully we can stay together for a while.
