2010 MLS Combine Interview: Notre Dame's Justin Morrow

Notre Dame midfielder and senior co-captain Justin Morrow hopes to make his mark at the 2010 MLS Combine. Morrow, who started all 44 matches over the last two seasons, joins Michael Thomas and Bright Dike as one of three Fighting Irish players arriving today in Florida. Midway through the season, he made a position switch from the midfield to left back. Will this new-found versatility be the key to his professional future?

He kindly spoke with Soccer City FC earlier this week.


Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski
Q. Is there an advantage to heading down to the combine with Bright and Mike?

I would say that there is an advantage to heading down to the combine with Bright and Mike because it makes me feel more comfortable. Anytime you're thrown into a big group of people where you're not really sure where you fit in, it's calming to see people you know. There's an even bigger advantage having them on my team at the combine because I've obviously played with them before and I we're comfortable playing together which is beneficial.

Q. How difficult was the switch from mid to left back this season?

I don't think the switch between the positions was that difficult because of the good players around me. Anytime I messed up they were there to cover me and that made me feel really comfortable when I was just learning the position.

Q. What was the biggest adjustment with the switch?

The switch was most difficult in the beginning but like most things, I think I learned a lot over time. At first, I always felt like I wasn't doing well enough but I learned to trust my instincts and just play.

Q. Are you satisfied with the season both from a team and individual perspective?

This season was full of ups and downs and it ended up a little more disappointing than we had hoped. We made a great run in the Big East Tournament which got us into the NCAA Tournament. But to fall short in the Big East Final and then lose in the second round to a team we'd lost to last year was definitely not something we were satisfied with. But we have great coaches and I know they will be working the guys hard this off-season to get them back on track for next year.

Q. How do you think your first touch will be this weekend?

Like most of the players, I'm sure this will be the first time we've played competitively for a couple weeks so it's all about getting comfortable as quickly as possible. I've been preparing really hard and that gives me confidence that I'll be ready for this weekend.

Q. Will you show off your versatility at the combine if needed by playing in the back or mid?

I'll play wherever they want me to play. I feel my versatility is one of my strengths so I would definitely change positions in a game if it gave me another look from the coaches.