Exclusive interview: Stephen King ready for second season as a Sounder

Stephen King's play was a big reason the Sounders advanced to the United States Open Cup final. He scored the match-winning goals against Portland and Houston. We caught up with the soon-to-be 24-year old midfielder a few days ago and asked him about his 2009 season and what he's looking forward to in 2010.

Let's look at your 2009 season with the Sounders from a few angles. First, How do you like the city of Seattle? A bit different from Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey?

"I love being in Seattle.  It has been an amazing experience for me in my first year as a Sounder.  The way that the city has embraced and supported the team is unmatched anywhere else in the country.  It is truly a special place to be as a professional soccer player in the MLS.  I didn’t really know what to expect coming from the east coast, but I am very impressed with what Seattle has to offer.  In addition, the ownership group and front office are top notch and go above and beyond what they’re required to do."

Next, what did you learn about yourself as a player / improve on by going up against guys like Alonso, Hurtado etc. in practice sessions?
      

"I feel as though I grew a lot as a player this year.  Our team has a great mix of young talent and veterans.  Not only going up against the players you mentioned, but also having experienced players like Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg helps tremendously as well.  Their daily insight is critical to the overall direction of the team.  On a personal level, I believe that I learned how to be more versatile in any of the midfield roles, honed my technical abilities, and gained confidence in my ability to positively influence games."

You saw extended playing time in USOC matches. What was that like? Was the Houston overtime goal your personal highlight of the season?

"The US Open Cup matches were a lot of fun.  I enjoyed a great deal of playing time in those games and feel as though I made an impact.  Also, the atmosphere at Starfire Stadium was always electric, even for a smaller venue.  The Houston game-winner was definitely the highlight of the season for me because it secured our spot in the Open Cup finals.  Unfortunately, I got injured soon after that game and missed a month of action.  However, to be a part of the first Sounders trophy run was special."

King warms up during last January's Sounders debut practice sessions. (David Falk)

You can't blame Sounders fans for thinking that Philadelphia was going to take you in the expansion draft. When it didn't happen, how did you feel? Were your surprised to be left unprotected?
 

"When I learned that I was unprotected, I definitely was a little nervous.  After being picked last year by Seattle, I knew that there was a decent chance that Philadelphia may pick me up.  The coaches told me that I was right on the fringe of getting protected and hoped that I wouldn’t get selected.  Even though I am from the Philadelphia-area originally, I am extremely excited about still being a Sounder.  I cannot wait to get started again in 2010 wearing rave green."

When you did your post-season 'exit interview' with the coaches, what feedback did they give you?

"The feedback that I got was really positive.  They gave me a few things to work on for the new year and made me feel as though my skill-set is appreciated on this team.  For me, I’m going to do whatever it takes to improve and contribute to the overall success in any way that I can.  I left the meeting feeling confident and also enlightened, which was reassuring.  I have been working hard this off-season and hope that I can continue to grow next season."

What do you think it will take for you to break in to the Sounders midfield either as a starter or as a larger contributor throughout the season? How can the club get more goals from the middle in 2010?

"I think it will come down to me proving myself every day in training that I am capable of making a difference in games.  Then, making the most of those opportunities I am given.  I feel as though having a second year with the same team will help, too.  I always try to listen to what people are telling me and welcome any advice.  I’m constantly trying to get better on a daily basis.  Scoring more goals from long-ranged shots is something that our team has addressed.  We are aware that we need to do a better job in that area.  I have been working on my outside-the-box shooting and I can assure you that there will be more emphasis on it this year in training.  It is my hope that Sigi will feel more comfortable relying on me in 2010."

King heads the ball in an April 2009 "Play in" Us Open Cup match against Real Salt Lake. (Rick Morrison)

The club is scheduled to go to La Manga, Spain in the early pre-season. Have you ever been there? What will be your personal training goals during that time?

 "I’m very excited about our trip to Spain.  I have never been to La Manga, but have seen some pictures.  The place looks amazing.  The most important thing during preseason is to stay healthy.  We have a long preseason and it’s critical to not do too much, too soon.  It is also an important time to build team chemistry and cohesion.  Now that the team will be heading into its second year, we will have a greater initial knowledge of each other’s attributes.  Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your teammates is extremely helpful.  Personally, my goals are to get as fit as possible, increase my speed of play, and work hard.  The rest will take care of itself."

 
What are your thoughts on the current CBA negotiations?

"The main points of the negotiations revolve around MLS players deserving the same rights under FIFA that all other players in the world have.  FIFA rights include guaranteed contracts, free agency, and the right to negotiate with other MLS teams.  We have to sign away our FIFA rights before we are allowed to sign an MLS contract.  Outside of FIFA rights, we are fighting for a small rise in player salaries, nothing outlandish.  Many players around the league have to find other work in order to pay the bills.  From what I hear, there has not been much progress with the negotiations and a lockout on Feb. 1st seems inevitable at this point.  Hopefully, progress can be made soon."

 You'll be 24 years old this March. Is your soccer career progressing about like you'd hoped it would? What's the next big goal for you?

"Overall, I am happy with how my career is progressing so far.  I was fortunate enough to have a rewarding college career at Maryland before getting drafted to MLS.  My experiences as a Terp, under Sasho Cirovski, were crucial in readying me for the next level.  Now having spent one year in Chicago and one in Seattle, I am excited about the prospect of a second year with the same team.  I will always be hungry to maximize my potential and Seattle is a great place to be.  My immediate goal is to make a bigger impact in games and become a regular starter.  Other than that, I have no idea where the road will lead me in the next five years." 

King gets water from Sounders Head Athletic Trainer Randy Noteboom. (David Falk)