Now in his third season, Chicago Fire Senior International defender Gonzalo Segares has remained a defensive force for the Fire. A native of Costa Rica, Segares was a scholar-athlete at Virginia Commonwealth University, starting in all 84 of the Rams' games during his four years. The Fire picked up the defender in the third round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft and he made an immediate impact, starting 21 games his rookie year and 22 games during the 2006 campaign. Known for his physical play, Segares has helped the "Men in Red" to a 2-0-1 record this season, holding opponents to just two goals in those three games. Fire Insider had the opportunity to speak with Segares before he and the rest of the team left for Houston to take on the Dynamo.
Fire Insider: When did you first start playing soccer?
Gonzalo Segares: I don't remember exactly when, but I always had a soccer ball with me when I was little.
FI: What other sports did you play growing up?
GS: I played a little bit of basketball, but mostly I played soccer growing up.
FI: How long have you lived in the United States?
GS: I've been here since 2001.
FI: Could you comment on possible U.S. Citizenship?
GS: I'm trying to get my green card right now.
FI: What do you do in your down time?
GS: After practice I go home take a nap, watch TV, play video games, and hangout.
FI: What is your favorite video game?
GS: Probably "Winning Eleven", I have a pretty good rivalry going with my roommate Jordan [Russolillo] right now.
FI: Who has most influenced your soccer career?
GS: My parents, my mom used to drive me to soccer practice. Even when I was old enough she still wanted to drive me.
FI: Do you listen to music before games to get psyched up? If so what do you listen to?
GS: Before games I listen to rock music on the way to the stadium.
FI: Do you have any pre-game habits or superstitions?
GS: I pray before every game. I say some Hail Mary's and the Lord's Prayer.
FI: What advice would you give to young players?
GS: Never give up. It's a hard fight to become a professional. As a kid I had that dream and I just tried my best and kept chasing it, trying to get better every day.
