Davy Arnaud

Interview: Davy Arnaud

Kansas City Wizards

September 17, 2004

Undoubtedly the most surprising name near the top of the MLS Scoring Title chart is Davy Arnaud. Davy's inspired play this season has definitely caught some people off guard, but not Bob Gansler. Opposing players and fans have taken notice and Davy is quickly emerging a star-on-the-rise. Davy took some time from 'working hard' in practice and scoring goals in matches to answer a few of my questions. Here's how it went:

SoccerLoop: This is your third season in the League and you have exploded onto the scene this year. Tell us a bit about what your success this season is attributed to.

Davy Arnaud: I've learned a lot since I came into the League and I'm continuing to learn. I also think my confidence has grown, which also helps.

SL: You were the 50th Pick in the 2002 SuperDraft and every team in the League passed on you until Gansler took you with that pick. Were you worried about not getting picked at all?

DA: To be honest I didn't expect anybody but KC to pick me. The coaching staff told me prior to the draft that they were going to take me. I was just relieved when they did.

SL: Did you ever think you would be competing for the scoring title and League MVP for an MLS Cup contending team?

DA: I always wanted to play in the league and that was my first goal. Everything else is a nice surprise for me.

SL: To what do you owe your current success?

DA: Like I said, I have learned so much from the guys around me. I've also worked hard everyday and so far it has paid off.

SL: You have gained a lot of fans this season due to your inspired play and your rise to success. How good has life been for you so far this season?

DA: This season has been great, not only for me personally but for the team as well. We're in the Open Cup Final and in the hunt for the MLS Cup. There are definitely no complaints, so far.

SL: The Wizards are a team put together of not too many "Big Name" stars and yet the team is currently the top team in the League. What has been the main reason for the team’s success this year?

DA: We have a very good chemistry and everybody wants to work hard for each other. That's probably been the most important factor.

SL: Some players (Wolyniec, Ching and Zavagnin) recently have come from some humble backgrounds to emerge on the US Men's National Team squad. Can we expect to see "Davy Arnaud" on a World Cup Qualifying roster? Have you spoken to Bruce?

DA: I don't know. I will just continue to play hard and do well with Kansas City. I think it's the goal of every player in the League to get to that level. Hopefully I'll get a shot one day.

SL: Bob Gansler has done a very good job with the squad this year and is a candidate for Coach of the Year. What are your thoughts?

DA: Coach has been great. He knows how to make our team click. He has coached at the highest level and for me personally has been a huge influence.

SL: As the season starts to wind down, what are your personal goals for the rest of the year?

DA: I'd obviously like to score some more goals, but more important to me is contributing to this teams effort of winning the Open Cup and MLS Cup.

SL: What are your thoughts on Chivas USA being in the League in 2005?

DA: It's another team and that is good for the League. It's more jobs for more players in this country.

SL: Will the Wizards win the "Treble" this year?

DA: It's definitely possible. We have put ourselves in a good position. We just need to continue working hard.

Interview by: Steven Patton