St. Louis University midfielder Brian Grazier was a vital member of the 2007 men's soccer team. He helped the Billikens to a 12-2-5 record and a NCAA Tournament seed. An instrumental part of the team's defensive success, he also contributed one goal and four assists during the season. From January 11 through the 15, he will be attending the 2008 MLS Combine. He kindly answered some questions for Soccer City FC.
Sean Grybos: Your first collegiate goal came in the Billikens' exciting victory over Indiana University on September 15 in the Saint Louis/Nike Soccer Classic. How important was it to equalize before halftime against a quality team?
Brian Grazier: Indiana vs. SLU is always a great game. We usually play each other every year and you never know what is going to happen. My goal came at a crucial time because we were 1-0 down in the first half due to an excellent goal by Brad Ring. You never like going into half time down so I think my goal really sparked our team going into the second half.
SG: Now that you have had some time to sit back and reflect on the season, what will you take away from 2007?
BG: In one sense our season was a disappoinment due to the fact we were knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the first round. On the other hand we only lost two games all year. I think the biggest thing I have learned from 2007 is you have to win the big games. In all reality the regular season does not mean that much it is how you end up at the end of the year.
SG: You sat out 2005 with a right ankle injury and you missed five more games this year because of a left ankle injury. How are the ankles now?
BG: I broke and dislocated my right ankle in 2005 forcing me to miss that year. The right ankle is fine. This year I went into an ackward tackle at the end of the Indiana games and twisted my left ankle pretty good. I missed five games this year but it is completely healed and healthy.
SG: What have you been doing to keep physically and mentally prepared, especially with the holiday season between the NCAA Tournament and the combine?
BG: I have been training with a speed and acceleration coach four to five days a week with a member of the Colorado Rapids organization. My workouts consist of plyos [plyometric exercises], speed and agility training. Afterwards I play indoor soccer including 3 vs. 3, 1 vs. 1 games, etc on campus to keep my touch sharp.
SG: What are your expectations and objectives regarding the upcoming 2008 MLS Combine?
BG: At the combine I want to make sure I play to the best of my ability. I want to combine with my teammates and keep the game simple. I think when I do that my game shines the best and most of all I want to have fun out there. It is not every day you can play with the best players in the country.
SG: Going to the combine in Florida is somewhat full-circle for you since you trained in Bradenton, Florida before college. For our readers, can you talk about your experiences and memories while training in there?
BG: My time training in Florida was great. Every day trainings were competitive making you play your best soccer. I have learned so much from being down there as a player and young adult. The experience really matures you as a person. We traveled to many countries playing at the highest level creating many experiences and memories.
SG: I want to thank you for your time and again extend my sincerest wishes on your upcoming soccer future; best of luck at the combine.
BG: Thank you.
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