CARSON, CA - With the close of Kevin Hartman's 10th season with the Los Angeles Galaxy, LAGalaxy.com sat down with him to talk about the season's highs and low, off-season plans, and the arrival of a new baby.
Q: What was your personal high this season?
A: Probably the shutout streak the team went on. It was cool for me to be able to share something like that with the defense and team. It was also a point for the team to start turning in the right direction, because I think everybody was under a great amount of pressure. So, it was good to be able to enjoy a time when we weren't conceding goals, and we had the opportunity to win games. It was something we were all very excited about.
Q: What was your personal low this season?
A: The lowest point for me and for most of the guys on the team was not making the playoffs. Being in the organization for 10 years and never missing the playoffs, it was something that caught us a bit by surprise. We tried as hard as we possibly could, but we put are selves behind the eight ball early in the season.
Q: What are your offseason plans?
A: My offseason plans this year is something that I'm very excited about. I'm expecting a baby in the next couple of days, and I'm going to make sure that I keep my body in the best physical shape. I'm also going to strengthen myself by continuing to work in areas where I need to improve, and never really relaxing. Never staying stagnant and always moving forward to achieve new goals next year.
Q: Any special plans for the holidays?
A: I'm not quite sure yet. I know Thanksgiving is coming up, and usually the family and me get together, whether it's with my wife's or mine. For Christmas we usually try to get away and go up to Tahoe and rent a house or something. It's good to get away from it all and really have some family time, and it's also good to see some snow for a change.
Q: What was the last book you read or are reading?
A: I'm reading a book called Shooter, and it's about a sniper's biography who had the highest kill count in the Gulf War.
Q: What CD is in your car stereo right now?
A: The new Killers album. I always find it amazing how people can meet and exceed expectations. So, I know the Killers are a great band, but they put out so many good CDs already. So you wonder if it's going to be that good, and it is ... it's that good.
Q: Lastly, what team do you predict will win the MLS Cup?
A: It's always hard to bet against Houston. They have a tendency to raise their game and be very good.
