The 27-year-old from New York loves photography, the outdoors and spending time with his two sons
How does it feel to be back in camp?
It feels great to be back in camp. It's been a minute since I’ve been here for various reasons. The birth of my second kid and then some injuries right before camp, but I'm happy to be back.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I have an interest in birds and the fact that they get to see everything from up high. Flying would be pretty cool.
Do you have a favorite bird?
As an American, I feel like you have to say the bald eagle. So, bald eagle.
What's one of your favorite hobbies outside of soccer?
Probably photography. I love taking pictures, whether it's with camcorders or cameras. Capturing moments feels different than doing it on your phone.
How did you get into photography?
My mom was always into cameras. She took pictures and videos of my games growing up, so I have a lot of pictures from growing up that she took. That's what got me interested in it.
Do you have a favorite photo you've ever taken?
Probably of my first born, Jackson, when he had just started walking. Capturing that moment was pretty special.
Are you more of a TV shows or movies person?
With two kids, I'm not really either anymore, but I'd probably say movies.
What's a movie you can always put on?
One of my favorites is probably "Good Will Hunting." I love that movie.
Who was your first soccer idol growing up?
Thierry Henry. He's the reason that I wanted to play the game and become a professional.
What's your favorite thing about living in England?
How simple life is. We live in an area where you can walk to the supermarket, walk to the beach, and I walk my son to the nursery. Everything is within walking distance.
What's your favorite piece of British slang you've picked up?
A lot of profanity, which I’m not going to say. The banter is so good. They call a watch a "kettle," which I wasn't familiar with, and I think that's pretty funny.
If you weren't a soccer player, what do you think you'd be doing?
I wanted to go to school for architecture. Right now, I'm studying in school for psychology, so maybe I'd be a psychologist or an architect.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I feel like you can have pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so I’m gonna go pizza.
If a song played every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
I have a lot of favorites. I'm a big J. Cole fan, so maybe "Love Yours."
What's one travel essential you can't leave home without?
My toiletry bag. It's got everything I need within that bag.
Window seat or aisle seat?
It depends on how long the trip is. For a long trip, window. For a shorter one, aisle.
What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love the outdoors, hiking, being outside. People hear New York and assume I grew up in the city, but I grew up closer to the Catskills area which is a beautiful place, so I spent a lot of time outdoors growing up.
If you could trade jerseys with an athlete from another sport, who would it be?
I probably would have said Saquon Barkley when he was with the Giants, but he plays for the Eagles now so that’s a sticky one.
What's your go-to car karaoke song?
Maybe "Can't Stop" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Who's one person who really assisted you on your journey to becoming a professional soccer player?
Outside of my parents and brothers, my grandparents. They helped me a lot growing up and were always there whenever my family needed support.
How has having a child changed your perspective on the game?
It's changed everything. It helps you find balance in life. You find a happy medium for everything that you do, you don't get too high or too low, you look at them and they're always happy. It reminds you to be happy as well.
What's your favorite thing to do with your sons?
Jackson has so much energy, so anything outdoors. We like bike rides and being outside. Miles is only eight months old, but I'm sure he'll be riding a bike soon enough.
If you had to play a full match in a different position, what would it be?
Winger. I grew up playing center back, right back, and center midfield, but I've never really played winger. I'd like to try it for a game because you don't have to defend as much.
What's one word that describes how you feel about representing the USMNT?
Pride. It's an immense honor to put the red, white and blue on. You're representing so much more than yourself or your teammates. You're representing a whole nation.
When this tournament is over and you look back, what do you hope people say about the way you played and carried yourself?
That I left it all on the field. That’s the one thing I want people to always see when I play. Whether I played amazing or played terribly, I want people to know that I always gave 110% no matter what.
