20 Questions Follow Up with Briana Bagley

It's Thursday, and that normally means a new edition of 20 Questions. However, life happens, and I've gotten a bit behind in getting my 20 Questions questionnaire out to the people that are participating in the interviews. Ah the curse of being a fan blogger. 

Instead of a new 20 Questions, I have a follow-up with Maryland Olympic Development Program goalkeeper, Briana Bagley. 

I received a text the other day from Briana's dad telling me I forgot to ask, or should've asked, about the injuries Briana has racked up on her path to soccer awesomeness. 

Recently, Briana was at a residential camp and suffered an injury and a significant one. While playing futsol, she dove for a ball landing hard on her right side. The collision resulted in a hairline fracture of her collarbone, a deep muscle and bone contusion. But Briana is one tough cookie. She finished the game. And she finished the camp. 

Reminder, this girl is only 12 years old. "She said it hurt the last two days of camp but it wasn't until she got home last night and was lifting her luggage  bag out of the trunk that she felt a pop and was in tears," says her dad. This 12 year old girl sucked up two final days of camp to hone her craft. 

This is the heart and determination of a professional athlete. And it's packaged in a preteen. In her interview, Briana said she had to hike up her skirt and do it. This is her attitude toward the beautiful game, her position as goalie, and playing through pain:

Strained neck

Deep contusion to the growth plate in her foot

Concussion

Played an entire tournament with a broken finger

Dislocated thumb

A wound on her knee that re-opened EVERY game for two seasons and is now a permanent scar

Deep bruise with cleat imprint on her inner thigh that lasted almost an entire season

Several other nasty bruises and bumps.

If this isn't the tenacity needed to earn a USWNT, NCAA, or an NWSL scout, I don't know what does. This girl is going to go places. The USWNT has "Hope," but we believe in Bri. (Trademark pending)

I hope to get out and get back my next round of 20 Questions by next Thursday. Interviews with Yael Averbuch (USWNT), Kaylyn Kyle (Seattle Reign/CanWNT), Taryn Hemmings, Julianne Sitch, and Adrianna Leon (all of the Chicago Red Stars). 

Thanks for Following Futbol. 

20 Questions with Ed McMahan, Jr

This week I’d like to introduce you to my hero. This man brought me to the game of soccer as a coach, as a fan, and as a father. He’s the father of eight children. He’s grandfather to 11. He’s driven all over Prince George’s County, Maryland as a coach and the state as a referee. Currently, he’s traversing the Wisconsin countryside as a referee. In both Maryland and Wisconsin, he’s touched lives through the fire department, all as a volunteer.

Edward McMahan, Jr. has won a myriad of accolades: elected to the Prince George’s County Fire Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s Hall of Fame in 1998. He was named Firefighter of the Year by the Columbia DC Moose Lodge #126 and was recognized as one of the 2003 Volunteers of the Year by the Prince George’s Volunteer Center; he’s had a day designated as Edward McMahan, Jr. day by the Maryland legislature.

My father, to me, was a jack-of-all-trades and master of all. Ladies and gentlemen, my hero, my father, Ed McMahan:

1.     How did you get involved in the beautiful game of soccer?

I was introduced to soccer in Junior High School by my PE teacher Wayne Rinick.  He said I had the speed and quickness for soccer.  That Gym class started me on my path with soccer.

2.     You’ve played, coached, and refereed soccer, which is your favorite? 

None actually, because each one was a path to the other.  Playing was fun because I first played on a coed 35 year and up team.  So it was not competitive, thank goodness.  Coaching was great, My wife and I coached together. Refereeing was a bit more challenging because of the levels of play.  I might lean more on refereeing as favorite because it was very rewarding and I continued to grow with every match.

3.     One of the teams you coached went undefeated and un-scored-upon, what do you attribute this amazing accomplishment to?

I started with the girls when they were young and we kept learning together.  We were a good team but not that good.  I tried to persuade the Boy's and Girl's club we were affiliated with to let the team move to a more competitive league but the club was more interested in trophies (my opinion) and the parents did not want to travel some of the distances we would have to travel.

4      You’ve refereed 5 year olds, teenagers, and college kids, what’s your favorite age group to referee and why?

My favorite group [is] the 12 year olds. I could see the players who are catching on about the "TEAM."  Now that the USSF has reduced the number of players for that age group and below, the players are getting more touches and enjoying the game.

5.     When you played soccer, what position did you play?

I played mostly midfield, some as striker.

6.    You’re the father of 8 kids; did all of them play soccer?

No.  Seven did.

7.     During one game, your goaltender received a yellow card for pulling out a lawn chair and sitting down during a game; what did you say to her afterwards?

Actually she did not pull out a lawn chair, she just sat down. Just to keep her in the game, we had her take any free kick in her half the pitch and sometimes corner kicks.  She had to sprint back to her goal; she didn't sit down after that.  It was a good card by the Ref.

8.     What is your favorite soccer league to watch?

NWSL first and a very close second to the EPL.

9.     What’s for dinner tonight?

Dinner is too far away right now to think about.

10.   You’ve been known to be a chocolate connoisseur, what’s your favorite brand of chocolate? 

Been is the correct term; my stomach is the guide to that: the simpler the better.  Most chocolates are too rich for me now.

11.  Who do you consider to be a hero, and why?

I think hero is an over used term.  The real heroes are the people you never hear about.  They go to work every day, they provide for their family, not just financially. Having been in the fire service for 38 years now I can tell you when we leave a fire scene, a crash site, deaths of all sorts, the real heroes are left behind.  They are the ones who pick up the pieces and go on.  They are the ones that hold a family together. Our military, Fire Fighters, EMS personnel, Law enforcement officers, and others who put their life on the line everyday, they deserve the respect, our thank yous and should be held special in ours lives.  Ask them if they are heroes, none of them will say yes, they would say we are just doing our job.  and of course I have a special place in my heart for Nurses.  

12.  Other than soccer, what sports and sports teams do you follow?

Don't really follow any, just enough to stay in the conversation.

13.  Most of your children have gone into public safety careers; do you think that is a direct result of you being a firefighter for over 40 years? 

I think one could draw that conclusion, but I believe it has more to do with helping others.  My choice was Fire Fighting. But having coached children through sports, hours and hours of volunteer work with the Boy's and Girl's Club, and just caring about people is the real concept.  Even today, Matt is operating a kennel in VA. 

14.   You worked as an electrician, volunteered as a firefighter, coached soccer, and refereed soccer; which of these jobs were your favorite and why?

My paid profession was a Relay Tester until I was promoted to a Supervisory position. I have always wanted to be a Fire Fighter for as long as I can remember so I guess Fire Fighter is number one.

15.  There’s only one flavor for ice cream and it is?

That would be chocolate chip.

16.  What’s on the radio in your car right now?

The dashboard.  I usually play CD's , bluegrass of course, but ESPN is the main channel when I am listening to the radio.

17.   What is your favorite book?

The Seven-Per-Cent Solution

18.  What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite station is RFD TV.  I do like the BBC shows such as Downton Abby and Upstairs Downstairs. I do like the Game of Thrones. 

19.  What’s your favorite movie?

Animal House

20.  What is your best piece of advice for new referees about to take control of the pitch? 

Appearance and [professionalism] is everything.  I always dressed in full uniform and was on time. One cold and rainy afternoon on the pitch I was doing a line in a 14-year-old boys match, the weather was miserable at best. About 18 months later in the ER with my wife, the cardiac surgeon came in and said he recognized me from somewhere. Alice answered him and said I refereed soccer.  He said yes! That is where I remember you; you were the only Referee professionally dressed on that miserable day.  That was the greatest compliment I have ever received.  So, youngsters, people do notice.

My dad is a pretty awesome guy. He's a firefighter, a referee, a dad, and a friend. We still collaborate on referees, games, and outcomes after big games (sometimes during). We usually send texts back and forth about this play or that play, this call or that non-call. He's my goto guy when I have a question about the laws of soccer. He's my goto guy when I have a question about life. My father put me on the path to soccer, and I'm ever so grateful that he did.

Keep checking back with Following Football for more 20 Questions featuring USWNT Midfielder Yael Averbuch and a few of the Chicago Red Stars.

20 Questions with Lianne Sanderson

Just when I thought Lianne Sanderson couldn’t shine any brighter in my eyes, she participates in my weekly 20 Questions. She currently leads the league in assists, and she was named player of the week by the NWSL for week seven. Sanderson became the third Boston Breaker to earn the title. She’s earned Player of the Match honors in the 2006 FA Women’s Cup Final. She’s been a globetrotter- playing club football in England, Spain, and the United States. The 25-year-old Sanderson has worn the club jersey of Arsenal, Chelsea, RCD Espanyol, Philadelphia Independence, DC United, and the Boston Breakers. Her team honors include one UEFA Women’s Cup, two FA Women’s Premier League Cups, two FA Women’s Community Shields, four FA Women’s Cups, and five FA Women’s Premier League National Division titles. She has also pulled on the jersey of the Three Lions-tallying eight international goals for England. Sanderson and her partner, Joanna Lohman, started JoLi Academy to bring the beautiful game to under privileged girls all over the globe. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present 20 Questions with Nike Athlete Lianne Sanderson:

1. What/who was your inspiration for playing football?

I believe football is in my blood, ever since a baby I was going to my dads and brothers games. My mum loves football; my whole family is football obsessed. Nothing else was ever in the equation for me other than being a professional soccer player, even though there wasn't a professional league, and girls playing was unheard of nothing was ever going to stop me, and I was lucky enough to come from a very supportive family.

2. You’ve played international and club football, which do you prefer and why?

I will always treasure playing in the World Cup in China all be it a cameo role, I will always be honored to represent my country but all of my best moments and where I feel I am allowed to be myself has come from playing with a club, especially a club like Arsenal where I played from the age of 9-20. Now at Boston, I also have an organization like I had in Philly where I am allowed to be me and that's the most important thing for me. If I feel happy, I will play better like any player.

3. You spent a decade playing football for Arsenal; you led the team in scoring the year they brought home four pieces of silverware. What’s it like to accomplish such a feat, one that’s never been accomplished by any other club, male or female?

Winning the quadruple will always be the best moment of my career and to be in such an incredible and talented team I consider myself very lucky to of played for Arsenal for 11 years. When I think back to how I felt when the final whistle went when we won the champions league I get teary eyed, I can remember it like it was yesterday. It was the most incredible feeling to be part of that team and play such a pivotal role at such a young age.

4. You’re also an avid Manchester United fan; how did that work out playing for Arsenal all those years?

I believe I was born to support United, in all honesty supporting Arsenal would of been so much easier and more fun in the sense that I would of been playing for the team I grew up supporting, meeting the players, training and interacting at the training ground with the players. But I could never change; I loved Man United and was obsessed with them from the age of 5. I think at first Vic Akers, my dad everyone tried to change me and sway me but as soon as they saw how die-hard I was they understood and it was and still is banter. I wore a Manchester United Kit to Highbury- Arsenals old stadium- for my 1st trial; no one could believe it.

5. You’re currently leading the league in assists, what do you think is the secret to your success in feeding your teammates playable balls?

I don't think there is a secret formula, but I think it comes from knowledge and understanding for them game from growing up in England. I know I always try and think 2 or 3 steps ahead of play and that helps. I have also worked hard on my game and fitness in the off-season. I believe in every pass being of quality there is no room for mistakes in my own game, I am a perfectionist. An example is season when I got 3 assists and player of the week. I didn't really think I had my best overall game as strange as that sounds. I said that to my dad after when people where saying great game, I kept thinking what I could of done better. But I will help my team in any way I can. I would rather us be top of the league than me being top of assists any day.

6. What would we find on your iPod’s playlist while on the bus between cities?

Beyonce, Rihanna, Drake, Rick Ross, Florence and the Machine. I have a tendency to kill songs and repeat them much to the annoyance of my teammates, haha.

7. You’ve played for teams all over the globe: England, Spain, and the US. What country embraces the women’s game the most?

I think definitely America followed by England for the women's game. The crowds, fans and facilities are of a very high standard. I feel like a true professional when I am in America more so then anywhere else.

8. When it comes to ice cream, there’s only one flavor, and it is?

Ben and Jerry's cookie dough.

9. What’s it like to bring the beautiful game to underprivileged girls all over the globe through the JoLi Academy?

It's such an amazing thing and feeling. At times it is challenging going to countries where being a female and athletic is not considered a good thing. The girls and kids are wonderful, and seeing there smiles makes everything so worthwhile. It’s something Joanna and I are very passionate about and we are planning our next trip as I write this. The support we get from JoLi fans is phenomenal and we can't thank people enough for there support.

10. You’ve notched one goal so far this season as a Boston Breaker. What was it like to finally get that monkey off your back?

Not really, I never really felt like Torres, ha, but I was happy with how I was, and I was having an impact on my team; that's the main thing. I still want to score more goals and get into more attacking areas but the main thing is that we win.

11. Most of the Breakers team was near the Boston Marathon blast, how has the city healed from the attacks? It was such a terrible thing that happened and to be very close to it was very traumatic for everybody involved. Luckily all of our team and staff members were safe but my thoughts are with the victims and there families. But the way the city came and has come together is absolutely remarkable and to see the togetherness with my own eyes and to feel it is a Moment I will never forget. This city is Strong; we are Boston Strong.

12. Who were your influences growing up as a young footballer? 

My family have been the biggest influence on my career, their support was and still is incredible especially my mum and dad. Biggest football influences were and still are Eric Cantona, Denis Bergkamp, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. I was so lucky to get to see my favorite players live on many occasions, you can't beat watching the world's greatest players live.

13. What’s your favorite movie?

Jerry Maguire, Pretty Woman, and The Bodyguard.

14. What do you miss most about living away from the UK?

My family and friends of course. But mostly some foods, especially a full English Breakfast, and Pie, Mash and Liquor.(which is not alcohol just so you know), and chocolate buttons.

15. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

My patience

16. What’s your favorite book?

Simon Cowell's book and Gary Neville's book. I am not a massive reader, but I felt like I can relate to these books, and I love reading autobiographies.

17. What’s your favorite TV show?

Match of the Day, Sky Sports News. I also am obsessed with documentaries and prison shows on Netflix.

18. Who’s the biggest prankster on the Breakers squad?

Probably Mariah Noguiera. She's always bubbly.

19. Turf or Grass?

Grass

20. What piece of advice would you give to up and coming footballers, male and female?

Set goals and know exactly what it is you want to do. Get plenty of touches on the ball. Be disciplined and never let anyone or anything come between you and your end goal. Surround yourself with people that are positive influences.

(All sic as needed)

I can’t thank Lianne Sanderson enough for participating in the weekly 20 Questions segment of Following Football. She is the first celebrity I’ve had the privilege of interviewing, and she is a consummate professional athlete. The Boston Breakers are lucky to have her in the midfield. As a shareholder of Manchester United, Lianne wearing a Man United kit to an Arsenal try-out -IN HIGHBURY- is the gutsiest thing I’ve heard of in English football. Check out the Boston Breakers next game on Saturday July 13, 2013 at 7pm EDT against Sky Blue FC! Sanderson will be sporting number 10 in the midfield, and given she leads the league in assists, the number 10 is more than appropriate.

Keep checking back with Following Football for more articles on the beautiful game. Coming soon to 20 Questions, USWNT midfielder Yael Averbuch, and the person who me on the path to soccer, my dad. 20 Questions are posted every Thursday.

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