Richard Mulrooney

Interview: Richard Mulrooney

Midfielder San Jose Earthquakes

June 2003

The E'quakes may have lost some key players this past off-season, but it has certainly not changed Richard Mulrooney's attitude one bit. Check out our latest interview with San Jose's D-mid and get his thoughts on his sides chances in 2003.

SoccerLoop: What are your realistic expectations for the Earthquakes this year?

Richard Mulrooney: I think that is really an impossible question to answer. I believe that you can only take it day-by-day because you never know what's going to happen. It's been my experience in this league that anything can happen, and I know that each and every day I am going to give it my all and make sure that every day is going to be a good one. You just have to take it day-by-day and give your best effort and things will work out for the best.

SL: You lost some key figures this off-season with the departure of Wade Barrett, Joe Cannon and Ariel Graziani. What are your thoughts on that? Do you think the side will remain competitive enough?

RM: I don't expect a drop off at all. We have a good group of veterans that have won a championship here already and know how to play. We are all professionals here and I have every confidence that the players we have here now will be able to step up and do the job. Of course we will miss them, we will miss them each in different ways, but I don't think there will be a drop off at all this season. Everyone on this team is here for a reason, and if they are here that means they are good and able to play at a very high level.

SL: With the aforementioned departures, how will your role change on and off the field?

RM: On the field, my role really won't change at all. Off the field, sure it will change a little bit. I remember when I was younger some of the guys would try to help me out and give me advice. Now I know that I have to take a little bit more of that role and maybe help out some of the younger guys a little bit.

SL: Of the new players in camp, who stands out in your eyes?

RM: It's a little different this year because we have guys coming in at different positions. We've got Josh [Saunders] in goal, and I don't really rate goalkeepers, but if he was drafted it is obvious that he can play. We've got Todd [Dunivant] at left back and he was an All-American in college. He can really strike a nice ball and I can see him developing into a solid player. Then at left mid Arturo [Alvarez] has been playing well. His skills are very strong and the amazing thing is that he is still so young. Jamil [Walker] is a great athlete who gives us some speed up front. I really think that all of the new guys, like [Brian Ching], [Brian Mullan] and [Craig Waibel] are going to be able to fit in and help us win games this year.

SL: What are your expectations in regard to the USMNT? Where do you see yourself on that side by year's end?

RM: I have always said that whenever you get called in to play for the National Team, it is a great honor. You never know what is going to happen with the National Team though, especially because Bruce has been bringing in a lot of new and different players into the training camps. I know that they are bringing in different guys, so if I don't get called in for a camp it's not the end of the world. At the same time, as competitive as I am, when they have a training camp and I'm not invited, it gets my blood boiling a little bit. Bruce has been taking a lot of players from MLS, and I know that if I work hard and concentrate on having a strong season in MLS, then Bruce will notice that and that should get me called into camp. That is why I try to work hard every practice, every game. You never know who is going to be watching, whether it is a scrimmage or exhibition game or MLS game. If I just play hard and the way I should, I hope to get another opportunity with the national team."

SL: It looks like the West will be a dogfight until the end. Who do you see as being "Best In The West?"

RM: After the additions that some of these teams made from last year, I really don't see any easy games in the entire league this year. From Los Angeles down to D.C., who struggled last year, I don't see any clear favorite, just like I think that there are no gimmies this season.

SL: Do you think Frank Yallop has done enough in the off-season to keep this side competitive?

RM: I definitely think so. We've got a great coach here in Frank, I wouldn't want to play for another coach in MLS and I think a lot of guys feel the same way. It's his job to get the right players here and we trust him just like he trusts his players. This is the team we have and I believe that everyone is here to work hard and contribute and that we are going to be successful.

Interview by: Steven Patton