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Chat Reel: Chris Henderson
KC midfielder ready for second shot at MLS Cup
Latest: Wednesday October 11, 2000 01:50 PM
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Chris Henderson has a different attitude going into the MLS Cup this time around. Elsa Hasch/Allsport |
Chris Henderson is no stranger to the MLS Cup Finals.
The KC Wizards midfielder will take his second shot at an MLS title Sunday, when the Wizards play the Chicago Fire at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Henderson came up short on his first bid at a championship in 1997 when he played for the Colorado Rapids.
"In 1997, it was just a great run in the playoffs and we were kind of on a Cinderella run," Henderson said. "Now the expectations of each other on this team are much higher."
Henderson took time out from his finals preparation to chat with CNNSI.com on Wednesday, Oct. 11. A transcription follows:
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with KC Wizards midfielder Chris Henderson. Thanks for joining us, Chris.
Chris Henderson: Thanks, good to be on.
From Mark: How do you feel about getting a second chance at an MLS title, and how will you approach this game differently than in 1997?
Chris Henderson: I'm really excited to be able to get back in the MLS cup. It feels a little different this year, as opposed to in '97. This year, we started and ended in first place with 57 points, and we have been in first place all the way along. In 1997, it was just a great run in the playoffs and we were kind of on a Cinderella run. Now the expectations of each other on this team are much higher.
From Fred Turk St. Paul, Minn.: What are the pros and cons of playing in Europe vs. MLS for an American player?
Chris Henderson: Soccer is the No. 1 sport over there. The pressure (to win) is pretty high over there, and whoever wins the league wins the championship. So there's more on the line since there's no playoff. The hard part is that you're in a foreign country and the language may be different. The season is through the winter there, and that's an adjustment. As a foreign player, you're fighting with three other foreign players for playing time.
From Krissy: What makes Chicago such a tough team? What are the keys to beating them?
Chris Henderson: I think Chicago is a very experienced team. They have players who have played in World Cups and they're organized and can definitely attack. I think that they deserve their No. 1 seed, and it's a good match up for the final.
From Brian: What did you think of the playoff format - with the "mini" game?
Chris Henderson: It's probably better that than losing on penalty kicks, which is really tough. It takes a lot of time to play in a mini-game. it is a lot of extra playing. It does make it exciting for the fans who come out and see the third game.
From Brad: What was the key to Kansas City's turnaround this season?
Chris Henderson: I think it is a combination of new acquisitions and new attitude. I think we started working toward a different style of play, even late last year. The combination of new players and the team's winning attitude has helped. It took a lot of hard work from last year, but everybody worked hard and believed in each other.
From Will Canterbury in Kinston, N.C.: How do you think the U.S. will do tonight against Costa Rica? Do you think you have a chance at making the roster for the Barbados match on November 15?
Chris Henderson: I think the U.S. is going to win tonight. Playing in Columbus, I'm sure it'll be a great U.S. crowd. I think U.S. soccer is at a point where we're going to win these games at home. For me, with the national team, I've spoke with Coach Arena once, and I hoped to get called in. I just want to stay in the best form I can in the next six months.
From Joseph Nielsen in Kansas City, Mo.: I currently play for a small private high school and wish to continue my career at the college level. What can I do make this possible?
Chris Henderson: My advice would be, first of all, you need to have good grades to get into college. From the soccer side, play as many games as you can and try to get seen by college coaches. The more you're recognized and seen by coaches, the better your chance to get into college.
From Andy Mead in Durham, N.C.: Going into a game with the stakes of MLS Cup 2000, what does it mean to have someone like Mo Johnston, who has played in numerous Rangers Celtic Derbys? Obviously he gave up his body for the winner on Friday, but does his experience rub off on the team?
Chris Henderson: Yeah, definitely. Having Mo on the team is great for us in big games. He's won championships and won battles that most of the players haven't been in. So he's a definite plus for us.
From Stacy Smith in New Orleans: Congratulations on your team's good season! Are you being considered for national team duty, and if so, how would you best fit in (position wise)?
Chris Henderson: I don't know what the coach of the national team thinks, but I'd guess if I had a chance, it would be at the left or right midfield positions. But that decision is out of my hands -- whether I get called in or not.
From Scott: Do you think the WUSA will survive? Can that league generate enough money?
Chris Henderson: Yeah, I think it will. There are so many young girls playing soccer in this country and now they'll have some professionals to look up to. I think it'll grow each year as the MLS has.
From Steve: What do you think about the fan support in Kansas City?
Chris Henderson: It's growing slowly, maybe not at the same level as the other teams in the league. But this year will help for the future. The fans that do come out provide a great atmosphere. I think our owner, Lamar Hunt, is committed to the long term here.
From Dennis P. Crawford in Lincoln, Neb.: Congratulations on a great season! There are some Wizards fans up here in Big Red country. What truth, if any, are there to rumors of impending retirements by Molnar, Johnston, and Preki? Is Meola really going to play in Europe next year?
Chris Henderson: I would say to all of those, I've heard those rumors, too. But I can't answer for those players. You'd have to talk to those players individually. I've heard the talk, but it's not something I can answer because I don't know the answer.
From Fred Turk St. Paul, Minn.: Did you play for Sigi Schmidt at UCLA? What UCLA players do you stay in touch with?
Chris Henderson: Yeah, it was great, the two seasons I played at UCLA for Coach Schmidt. We still talk and have a good relationship. I keep in contact with Mike Lapper, Cobi Jones, Sam George, and Joe Max Moore - it was a fun time in our life and we have a close bond because of that.
From Laura: When are you going to have another shot at the national team?
Chris Henderson: Yeah, I hope to get another shot. I think I could help the team on one of the wings, but all I can do is try to keep playing well and hope for a chance to get back there.
From Guy: Have you received your degree from UCLA?
Chris Henderson: (Laughs.) No, I haven't. I'm about two years away from getting it. It's something I'd like to go back and do when I'm finished playing. I was a history major.
From Bob in Chicago: What affect will it have on the teams having all these players away with the U.S. national team this week?
Chris Henderson: We don't have to worry because we don't have any players on the national team. So we've been kind of lucky that way this year. But I think Chicago has 4 players there now. It's hard to keep your chemistry good when players are leaving and coming back and leaving again.
From Fred Turk in St. Paul, Minn.: How did you come to recommend that the Wizards sign Miklos Mollnar? That was a key move for the team.
Chris Henderson: He and I played together in 1994 in Germany. We were the only foreign players there that spoke English, so we became good friends. So when he had a chance to get out of his contract in Spain and I helped him come here. It's turned out great for us. He's scored goals for every team he's been on.
From Fred Turk St. Paul, Minn.: When did you start thinking that the Wizards team this year was special?
Chris Henderson: I think first when we signed Miklos, I knew we'd score some goals this year and when we picked Peter Vermes and Matt McKeon I knew we had a good formula for success, players who had won at other levels and with other teams and that was back in January of this year.
From Scott in San Diego: Who's the toughest right wing and toughest right back to go up against in MLS?
Chris Henderson: I would say when Cobi Jones is on the right winhe's tough - he's quick, can cross and score, and I'm not just saying that cuz he's my friend. At right back, I would say - well, I'm drawing a blank on right backs. Sorry.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with KC Wizards midfielder Chris Henderson. Thanks for your time, Chris. Good luck on Sunday.
Chris Henderson: Thanks for your questions and keep supportsin MLS and we'll see you in DC at the final.
CNNSI Host: Thanks for all your great questions. Sorry we did not have time to get through them all.
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