In his first week since joining the team, new S2 goalkeeper Danny Faundez says it's been "business as usual." After all, the Seattle-native has been training with the Rave Green since coming out for Open Tryouts all the way back in February and has hardly missed a training session since.
Now, on his first road trip to LA ahead of a important match with postseason implications, Faundez is revelling in the moment, enjoying every drop as he realizes his lifelong dream to become a professional athlete. SoundersFC.com caught up with the new man on the road to get to know the newest member of the Rave Green
Get to know Faundez with this latest edition of a SoundersFC.com Q&A.
SoundersFC.com: What has the first week as an official member of the team been like for you?
Danny Faundez: It’s been more motivating showing up to training and knowing you’re included as part of the squad. I know all the guys from training throughout the season, so that hasn’t changed too much. It’s definitely exciting. It’s awkward when people ask me for autographs now, but I guess I have to get used to it. It’s amazing to be welcomed by the fans, even in my first game.
SFC: You have spent some time in Chile as a player, what would you say is your biggest takeaway from your time there?
DF: The biggest takeaway is realizing this is what I want to do for a living, bringing back the hard work and translating that here. Also, taking the South American aspect of playing the game and bringing it back here has been interesting. I have been told they don’t like the style, but once I tell them I did play there, they understand. Playing with my feet is probably my favorite thing to do. In Chile, they call the style “Garra,” when you don’t give up on the ball and always commit to the play.
SFC: What are your goals as a professional soccer player in Seattle?
DF: Ideally I’d like to make myself a home here in Seattle whether it’s making it to the first team or at least fighting for a starting spot with S2. Obviously I would like to play MLS, but wherever that leads, it just depends on how much hard work I put into it.
SFC: How have you connected with the guys on the team since joining with S2? What was it like when they heard about your signing?
DF: I am definitely close with the Spanish speaking guys on the team like Pablo. Garza, Duncan, Aaron and Miele have all been super supportive, even Andy congratulated me at training when he saw me before we left for LA. They all congratulated me and I totally felt the support since the beginning, even before I was signed. They told me I deserved it, and the welcoming from the guys in the locker room when it was announced. They all jumped me in the cafeteria when I found out.
SFC: What is your favorite memory from playing in Chile
DF: In all the games I played in Chile, I had five PKs against me, and I saved four of them. I would say a specialty of mine is penalty shootouts.
SFC: Could you save a Pablo PK?
DF: I could definitely save a Pablo Rossi penalty. That guy is good, though.
SFC: Now, on your first trip with the team, how do you feel?
DF: It feels good to be on the trip with the guys. It’s definitely fun to watch Duncan pick up all his stuff after Long and Miele taped it to the wall after training this morning. It’s going to be a long trip for Duncan.
