 MLS Cup Champion, Will Hesmer, helped lead the Columbus Crew to their first title in franchise history. Will sat down with minute91 to talk about his latest accomplishments, recap the season, and reflect on his career in MLS.
minute91: You have won so many awards and championships in your soccer career. Where does the MLS Cup rank in your list of accomplishments?
Will Hesmer: I don't know which one I am more proud of the Supporters Shield or the MLS Cup. I honestly think that the Supporters Shield is harder to win, and is not given enough credit. But overall, the MLS Cup is the trophy that everyone ultimately wants, and the feeling of winning it was one of the most rewarding feelings I've ever had.
minute91: You spent a lot of time on the bench early in your career, but now you are one of the premier goalies in MLS. Do you feel like sitting and learning helped you get to where you are now?
Will Hesmer: Sitting and learning was very, very tough mentally. Obviously, as a young goalkeeper you want to be playing and learning as soon as possible. I was starting by age 25, and in the grand scheme that's is still relatively young, but by no means was it an easy three years of sitting. Some aspects of sitting and observing definitely helped me, but in some other areas my learning curve was delayed a little bit.
minute91: Outside of Columbus, which city is your favorite to play in?
Will Hesmer: I really like playing in DC and LA. DC because it's not far from where I grew up and it's normally a game that lots of family and friends are able to attend. I really like LA because of the weather and stadium.
minute91: Columbus was clearly the best team in the league all year. What are some key elements that you would attribute all the team's success to?
Will Hesmer: I think the key to our play this year was our mind set. We approached the season on a week to week basis. We never got too high after a big win or too low after a bad loss. Every week we stuck to our game plan, and tried to get better week in and week out.
minute91: Where is your favorite place to go out in Columbus?
Will Hesmer: I am a big fan of the German Village area. Other than that I like the Short North/Arena District area. Lots of good restaurants among those three. |
