This season Moore led the Pac-10 Conference in shutouts (9), was second in goals against average (.874), and finished third with 70 saves. Perhaps of greater importance, he never allowed more than 2 goals scored during any 2009 contest.
The Cardinal attack always had the ability to mount a comeback with Moore as goalkeeper. Stanford ended the year 12-6-2 culminating in a trip to the Sweet 16.
Recognized as one of the country’s top goalkeeping prospects, Moore has been invited to attend the 2010 MLS Combine. He kindly answered a few questions via email before heading to Florida for the combine.
Photo Credit: Stanford Photo
Q. The Cardinal lost 2-0 at UCLA and then stumbled vs. San Diego St. Thus, how vital was it to record the shutout in the next game vs. UCLA especially heading into the final month of the season?
[JCM] At that point in the season, we knew we needed to pick our game up to earn a place in the NCAA tournament. We had a few missteps in the weeks before beating UCLA at home gave us the momentum and confidence we needed to push ahead.
Q. After stumbling, as a team in 2008, how vital was it to rebound in 2009?
[JCM] Before this year, I had never been to the NCAA tournament. We've always had great players, coaches, and support staff. But we couldn't seem to find the right combination to success. As a team, it's very important for us to be performing at a top caliber every week we train. This year renewed the team's passion for soccer and winning. We've a small taste of success and the young guys are extremely excited for the upcoming seasons.
Q. Was it satisfying to enjoy such tremendous team success this year, even if no championship was captured?
[JCM] There are some 204 Division I Men's soccer teams in the country. I believe most start the year with the same goal: win the NCAA Championship. Our team is no different. The season could not be considered a success unless we ended our record with a win and a trophy. That being said, this season sets a foundation for improvement over the coming seasons. Our young players had a huge impact and as a whole, the team gained invaluable experience that will be called upon in trying future situations. We are not satisfied with our results. Our team more motivated than ever for next season.
Q. Is it fair to say, that the program is back to being one of the nation's elite?
[JCM] As a team, we've built a culture for success this past season. We work hard, we take personal responsibility for our roles and our teammates roles, and we only accept results not excuses. We focus on how we can make ourselves better. And we leave the rankings up to their respective committees. We focus on the soccer, they can focus on the votes.
Q. How much has Pennsylvania product, Bobby Warsaw, meant to the turn around of the program?
[JCM] Bobby has been an asset to this program since the first day of training camp his freshman year. He's a communicator and leader on and off the field. Bobby's personality is fit perfectly for success. He makes other players better and he's the type of teammate you want on your side.
Q. How have you begun to prepare for the combine?
[JCM] These past few weeks have contained a regimented training and fitness schedule. I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to train at 7,000 feet where the air is thin. When I come back down to sea-level, my body responds positively. I will spend this final week preparing myself physically and mentally for peak performance come next weekend.
Q. Is there anything that you have really focused on improving?
[JCM] At this point in my goal-keeping career, everything could use improving. I'm never satisfied with my level. I can always improve my communication/leadership skills, tactical game-reading, technical skills, focus, and gamesmanship. I pride myself on passion, hard-work, and personal responsibility. With that foundation I'm preparing myself to become a successful professional player.
Photo Credit: Stanford Photo
Q. Consistently, top goalkeepers come out of the Pac-10 and many move on to MLS. We hate to have you speculate, but do you care to share your assessment as to why this seems to be?
[JCM] The Pacific-10 is an extremely competitive conference. Any number of reason's could be responsible for this goal-keeping trend. I hate to speculate, but perhaps the conference's parity may be a cause.
Q. Does balancing academics and athletics help in preparing for a professional career?
[JCM] In my opinion, self-regulation is extremely important when preparing for any career. One needs to want it more, train harder, focus their efforts, and have the desire to win at all costs. Academics are pivotal in learning to question what you see and reason though difficult problems. When it comes to professional soccer, I'm not sure what will help me be successful. I focus on winning, my work ethic, and becoming a valuable asset for my future team. But the time-management skills and the off-the-field challenges I overcame at an institution as prestigious as Stanford surely couldn't hurt my preparation.
Q. If MLS options do not materialize, are you prepared to look at overseas options?
[JCM] At this point, I'm focusing all my efforts on becoming a professional soccer player. I believe I'm a player that has the potential to be successful at the top level. But that road is a long uphill grind from my current position. I have the tools and foundation to reach that potential. That road may lead overseas at some point, but I don't want to speculate. I'm going to play where I can become the best goalkeeper and a valuable asset for my team.
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