Former Elon soccer standout
Steven Kinney ('09) made his Major League Soccer debut last night for the Chicago Fire, starting at rightback and playing a full 90 minutes in the team's 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake. Kinney was a bright spot in the Fire lineup, containing US National player Robbie Findley on the defensive end of the field and also sending two headers off the post from Mike Banner corner kicks. Kinney's first header, in the 48th minute, nearly found the back of the net but dinged the inside of the right post.
Shortly after, Kinney connected again but his shot nailed the left goal post and went wide. Another opportunity came in the 71st minute, but the defender's shot was saved by Real Salt Lake goalie Nick Rimando.
Kinney took a few minutes to talk to us about life in Chicago playing professional soccer.
Talk about your early-season injury that kept you off the field and how you overcame that to earn the start last night.
SK: It was tough to get injured so early in the season. I was out for about five or six weeks and lost a lot of fitness. Over the past couple weeks, I felt like I was getting my touch back and my fitness felt better. The starting rightback injured his hamstring earlier this week and my coach gave me the nod for the start last night.
Describe the level of play at the professional level compared to that at the college level.
SK: The speed of play is so much quicker. That means your thought process has to be quicker and everything you do has to be quicker. None of the games have been very high scoring so every goal matters.
How have the veterans on the team helped you in your transition?
SK: Day in and day out during practice the veterans are constantly giving me pointers on what to look for and how to sharpen my skills and my game. Last night, CJ (Brown) was talking to me during the whole game. It is good to have a veteran in my ear, getting me through it.
How is life in Chicago and what are your days like now that the season is underway?
SK: Chicago is a great city. The soccer is great and there is so much to do, which really helps with the free time I have! We have practice every day from 9-12, so I essentially have a three-hour workday. Those hours are intense, but then I get to come home and rest. I definitely get my naps in during the afternoon!
Is there anything that has surprised you about playing in the MLS?
SK: You know, every soccer team I have played on really seems to be the same, whether at the club level, college level or the MLS. All the teams have been such tight knit groups. I thought the MLS might be different with people having families and different agendas, but there is still such a camaraderie on the field and it brings the guys closer together.
Post-game Interview (CJ Brown & Steven Kinney)
Kinney Highlights
-- ELON --
