On this week’s edition of We Are TFC II we sit down with defender Jordan McCrary.
What has been your favourite moment in your soccer career thus far?
McCrary: Being selected 10th overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution.
What was that moment like?
McCrary: My parents were next to me. I had a few teammates from Carolina. The second I heard my name I couldn’t believe it. I used to watch drafts on TV, and now I got to step up on stage and say my words. It was exciting.
At what moment did you know you could go pro?
McCrary: When I was selected for the U-17 National Team and entered the residency program.
Do you have a coach/mentor that has impacted your soccer career?
McCrary: Paul Caffrey. Taught me the basics of 1 on 1 defending and how to improve as an outside back.
A player you like to model your game after?
McCrary: Dani Alves. He’s such a dynamic player. He can defend and attack so well.
Taking a quick look at your phone, which photo in it means the most to you?
McCrary: A picture from the national championship I won in 2011.
What was winning that national championship like?
McCrary: It was unreal. That whole year was incredible. We only lost one game. Every game felt like a fight. But we were all together and we felt like a family. We fought every single game, no matter what. When we won, it was the biggest relief when we won. I never won a championship in high school, so it felt good.
Have any good UNC vs. Duke stories?
McCrary: I do, my freshman year I got a Red card against [Duke]. It was the 80th minute. We were tied and I went in for a 50-50 challenge. I wanted to protect myself but I went studs up on him so I got sent off.
How do you like to spend your free time?
McCrary: I enjoy watching Netflix and just hanging out with my friends.
Do you have a favourite movie?
McCrary: Gone in 60 seconds
Big car guy?
McCrary: Oh yeah big car guy.
Dream car?
McCrary: That GT500 [in Gone in 60 seconds] is nice. If I could take any kind of car though, probably a Saleen s7.
Music Artist?
McCrary: Gucci Mane
How have you found the adjustment to life in Toronto/Canada?
McCrary: Still getting used to the weather.
What do you like about it here?
McCrary: Love the environment. It’s always fun playing soccer, especially when you have a good group of guys around you. Good training session, great staff.
What do you miss the most about home?
McCrary: The food and weather.
What food are you missing the most right now?
McCrary: It has to be the fried fish and BBQ. At home, I can go anywhere and find briskets, ribs etc. I have to look a little bit harder here to find good BBQ.
What was the soccer scene like back home?
McCrary: Plenty of soccer clubs. Similar to the quality of the teams here in Canada.
