Chris Pontius Q&A
With yesterday's announcement that Chris Pontius has been named to Jurgen Klinsmann's U.S. National Team roster, D.C. United's international count is now up to five players. Although Dejan Jakovic will not be joining Canada for World Cup qualifying due to injury, four other members of the Black-and-Red will play across the globe over the next two weeks representing their various national sides. For Pontius, this opportunity means a great deal, as the midfielder's current form with the Black-and-Red represents the completion of a difficult journey.
Enjoying the best season of his career, in which he has started all 24 of United's League matches and scored seven goals, it was not all that long ago that Pontius was struggling with a serious injury. Pontius' 2010 season was cut short by a hamstring tear that required offseason surgery and significant rehabiliation. The origins of that injury were sustained in early 2010 at Pontius' first U.S. National Team camp, bringing the Califonia native full circle with his second international call-up. Speaking with United's star winger upon arrival in Los Angeles, where he will meet Klinsmann's squad, it's clear that Pontius is grateful for this opportunity and excited about his future in D.C.
Where were you when you got the call from U.S. Soccer, and how did you feel upon hearing the news?
Benny [Olsen] was actually the one who called me when I was at my apartment. I knew I had been named as an alternate for the National Team, and I was happy to hear from Benny that Jurgen Klinsmann had called me into the team. Not long after that I had a nice chat with Jurgen, and it was great speaking to him. I'm excited to get things underway and to perform for my country if called upon.
What was it like speaking to Jurgen Klinsmann for the first time, and what are your thoughts about playing for the United States' new Head Coach?
It was an incredible feeling getting that call, everyone knows what [Klinsmann] has done both as a player and as a coach. I'm excited to get on the field and to hopefully do some good things for the team.
Have you had a chance to chat with Bill Hamid yet? Has he offered you any advice on training with the new regime?
I spoke to Bill a little bit yesterday after I got the call, we were hoping to be on the same flight out to LA. Unfortunatelty we weren't [on the same flight], but I'll get a chance to catch up with him when he gets out here.
This call-up has brought you full circle from a tough 2010 season. What are your thoughts on coming back from injury and making such a strong return?
Obviously the hamstring needed to be fixed last year. It was a tough experience, but I got it fixed in the offseason. Last year was frustrating for me personally, and for D.C. as a team. I'm so happy to be playing back at 100 percent, and to be playing for Benny [Olsen] and the organization. I think this year has obviously been a lot better than last year for everyone involved. Playoffs are still our goal, and we're still in a position to make sure we achieve that.
You've started all of United's MLS matches this year, bolstering the club's offense with seven goals. Is it gratifying to be recognized for your success?
It's very gratifying to be recognized for your hard work. I try not to think about the National Team too often. My mentality has always been that if I take care of things with D.C., then my time would come with the National Team. It's great that the time is now, but I still have a lot of work to put in, and that work starts now in training out here.
You're a California guy, and you're known for having a large entourage come to the Home Depot Center when United plays there. Will you have your usual cast of family and friends for the U.S. game against Costa Rica?
I don't think it will be that big, maybe only 100 people? [Laughs] I don't know to be honest, I haven't spoken to too many people about this yet, so it might just be family and a few friends this time. I'll know a little bit more before the game.
If you do get a chance to step onto that field to represent your country, what will that moment mean to you personally?
I think everyone wants the opportunity to represent their country, and I'm no different. It would mean a great deal, because it's something you have to work so hard for and it takes a lot of time. I've put the work in, and hopefully I get the opportunity to get out there. If I don't [get to play] I'll keep working hard until my name is called.
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