hello all... i am writing my thesis on the sociological and psychological devlopment of male athletes who turn pro at a young age (with or without any college experience). I have interviewed both former athletes and current athletes from other professional leagues in the US but don't know much of anything about who is young and successful in the MLS. So....you guys know all this so could you send me suggestions of who you think would be a good subject? I do need to interview the player (either via phone, email or in person) so please keep in mind players who you think would be willing to do it? Also, if you know a good way to get in touch with them?? I have been moderately successful so far, inteviewing Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler, Francisco Rodriguez, and Paul Kariya. I would like some more athletes who grew up outside CA. Oh, and Landon...he has helped me with some research about his time in Germany before so I can use him but I would like a different perspective. Someone suggested Kyle Martino (?) can anyone suggest a good way to get in touch with him or his team?? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!
This really isn't the best board to ask anything on. It tends to be ignored. I'd suggest: Bobby Convey, DC United Santino Quaranta, DC United However, what you really need to do is ask this question on the board below. https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=255
Another young successful Crew player is Edson Buddle. DaMarcus Beasley for the Chicago Fire just turned 21. He starred for the USA in the World Cup last year. Ricardo Clark is a rookie for the MetroStars. He's having a good season thus far. Taylor Twellman of the New England Revolution left college early to play pro ball in Germany. A non MLS player who may offer some good insight is John O'Brien of Ajax Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He's a US National Team player who left the States as a teenager to train with Ajax, one of the top teams in Holland. www.mlsnet.com, as well as the individual team websites might have contact information for someone who could put you in touch with their agents. If you were able to get in touch with Kobe Bryant, talking to these guys should be no problem.
thanks everyone Thank you for replying! You have all given great leads. I actually talked to Peter Wilt today and am expecting calls from DaMarcus Beasley and Justin Mapp within the next few days. HOwever, keep the suggestions coming...I will talk to anyone. John O'Brien is a really great idea. Thanks again. P.S. A professor of mine knows Phil Jackson, so that made talking to Kobe pretty easy....soccer players on the other hand are much harder.
The phone number for the Major League Soccer front office is 212-450-1200. They may be able to help you get in touch with some people. Mark S. Levinstein is the lawyer who represents the United States National Soccer Players Association. His number is 202-434-5012. John O'Brien and Taylor Twellman are among the players in the Players Association. They'd probably be good to talk to for your thesis. The complete list of players is at http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/players.
Soccer Young Pro Player thesis Kyle Martino @ Columbus Crew should be approachable. Get in touch with the stadium offices. Real young and new a having success, but not enough yet to be jaded I would think, are Mike Magee (Metrostars) and Chris Albright (LA Galaxy). A real prize to get would be the Twellman brothers, but who knows.....It may be easier to pick folks (like to 2 just mentioned) who are not (yet) getting nods from Bruce Arena for the US Men's team. With the money losing situation in MLS they ALL should be willing to talk and promote the sport here! Good luck....
Joselito Vaca from Dallas. He's young, been in MLS for 2-3 year, is from Bolivia. He's the #10 on the Bolivian National Team.
What about Bocanegra? After reading his column on ussoccer.com (see the thread https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54769&perpage=15&pagenumber=1), I'm thinking he must be an intelligent, witty guy.