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A Matador Minute With Top MLS Prospect and Former Matador Sean Franklin
 

 

A Matador Minute With Top MLS Prospect and Former Matador Sean Franklin
Northridge, Calif. -- Sean Franklin spent four seasons patrolling the back line for Matador men's soccer and moonlighted as a men's U-20 and U-23 United States National Team member. Now, the 22-year old is back in training camp with the U-23 National Team and is also preparing for the MLS Superdraft combine, where he will showcase his talents for the MLS executives considering him with their first round picks. This week, Franklin answered questions for GoMatadors.com about his Northridge career, the National Team, and a future in the MLS.

Q: Have you had to separate your MLS preparation from your U23 preparation, or do you feel they are intertwined?

A:I feel that my preparation is intertwined. I'm actually glad that I get to train with the U23's before the combine because I'll be going into the MLS Combine more fit than when I was training on my own. I feel being with the U23's has helped my chances for performing well.

Q: If you could land in your ideal city in the upcoming MLS Superdraft, which city would you choose?

A: I would love to be in Los Angeles. Playing for Chivas USA would be my first choice, then LA Galaxy. It would be nice to stay close to home, to my family, my friends, and of course my girlfriend. Another option I wouldn't mind would be the San Jose Earthquakes. Being a new team, I feel like I would have an equal opportunity to have a chance to play or potentially start. Going to a team that is already established with their players would be tough, but watching and learning is something that I wouldn't mind.

Q: You majored in graphic design at CSUN. Do you plan on finding ways to use that ability while you're playing soccer?

A: I thought about it a little bit. If there is time to work, I would definitely what to find a job doing graphic design. It is something that I could look forward doing maybe in the off-season.

Q: Is there an athlete that you've faced in your career that you're looking forward to seeing again at the next level?

A: I don't have one specific athlete I would like to see again at the next level. But some of the MLS guys on the U23's I wouldn't mind seeing again. They're all pretty cool guys. Also, it would be nice to see the guys from the NORTHRIDGE TEAM get into the league.

Q: What is it like to have your CSUN career behind you? Are you happy with the legacy you left at CSUN?

A: It's a "bittersweet" feeling knowing that my CSUN career is over. You meet new guys every year that come to the team, and build a relationship with them, as well as the guys who are already on the team, and its something that's hard to deal with knowing that you're not going to be with them five days every week and hanging out. On the other hand, it's a good feeling knowing that you're one step closer to achieving a dream. I am happy with the achievements I have accomplished as an athlete at CSUN. But more importantly, I hope I left a good impression on my teammates, my coaches, and the program.

Q: Which aspect of your preparation for the MLS draft has been more difficult: physical or mental?

A: Definitely physically. Since the MLS combine is during the winter break, it's really hard to go out on your own and train everyday. You basically want to do what everyone else is doing: "Enjoying the break away from school." But I found a way to train and get ready, especially now being with the U23's, and I still enjoyed being home for the break.

Q: Which aspect of your game do you feel translates best to the professional and international ranks?

A: I would say my speed and my speed of play. I feel my ability to run up and down the field is good quality. Also, the pace of the MLS and the pace of the international level is fast, and I feel I am capable of playing at that level.

Q: You've worn the United States jersey in the past. Is there something different about wearing that jersey as opposed to others you've worn in the past?

A: To me its not that big of a difference- I know people are going say "He's just being modest." But honestly, I feel that whatever name is on the jersey, I'm going to play to the best of abilities to help the team. I do have to say, the first time I said "1...2...3...USA!" after we had huddled up before the kickoff, was pretty cool.

Q: You've had Yossi Raz as a teammate and coach, and Terry Davila was your coach through your entire CSUN career. What did you learn from those men that will help you at the next level?

A: Playing with Yossi, and being coached by him, has taught me many things. Playing with Yossi I realized that he gives it everything he's got every practice, every game, all the time. And I learned that if I want to be great, I have to want to work hard all the time and be a competitor. He's coaching style is the same way. He wants to win so bad and that's the way you should act when you play this game. From Terry, I learned how to play the game like a man. He has branded it on me that this is a "man's game" and if you're not willing to get in there, get hit, throw tackles, basically die on the field, then you shouldn't be playing. I feel that I would to anything and everything possible, sacrifice my body for the team. Taking those things to the next level I hope do the best that I can. It has definitely been a pleasure being coached by Yossi and Terry, as well as Keith West... Thank you.

Q: Give us your favorite story about a member of the CSUN coaching staff.

A: I don't have a particular story... But, I hope I don't get in trouble with this... Sorry Terry! But when Fergie Agwu and Terry go at it about whose head is bigger; that's always funny to listen to. Those two would go back and forth making jokes about each other heads. It was an on-going thing all year.