A 2009 preseason addition, Tim Ward comes to the Fire as a former Generation Adidas and U.S. U-17 Residency product. A key member of the Fire defense, he has started and completed all seven games so far this season playing all 630 minutes and recording one assist. Ward was selected in the first round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft and played for former Fire head coach Bob Bradley during his rookie season in New York. In 2006, he was traded to Columbus where he spent two seasons before once again being traded, this time to Colorado. Tim also comes from a family of soccer players - his brother, James, played soccer at Washington University in St. Louis, while brother, T.C., played soccer at Marquette. Ward completed his high school education at the Edison Academic Center while in residency in the U.S. National Team program in Bradenton, FL, for 2 years. Fire Insider sat down with Tim to talk to him about his path through the MLS and what he thinks so far about his time with the Fire.
Fire Insider: Growing up as a youngster how did you become involved with soccer? Who and/or what inspired you to play?
Tim Ward: My brother and I were playing in the backyard and playing pickup games and it just kind of went from there. I can't really say that it was a certain person or a certain event that inspired me to play. I just knew from a young age that that's what I wanted to do. I had a lot of good coaches, good teammates, and good people around me and that helped.
FI: After a year with Saint Louis University, you were drafted by the then-MetroStars in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. What sparked the decision to turn pro early on in your soccer career?
TW: My dream was to be a professional, and the opportunity came up when I was in Bradenton down at the academy during my freshman year of college. It really put me in a professional environment, having the opportunity to play against some of the best in my age group and travel abroad to face others in my age-group on the national team level. It really gave me a lot of experience.
FI: What were some of the main differences on the pitch that you noticed between the college game and Major League Soccer?
TW: In college there are a little more long balls, and you can get away with some things. In the MLS the tempo is really fast, the physical play is really strong. You can't get away with these things on this level.
FI: Being traded to Colorado, after two successful seasons with Columbus, you didn't get the chance to see much time with the first team. How did you maintain focus during this time period?
TW: It was a tough time, but I had some good teammates both at Colorado and at Columbus. I knew my contract was coming to an end in 2008, and I knew I had to be ready for the next stage of my career in order to continue playing soccer at this level.
FI: That next stage of your career began when you joined the Fire for training camp down in Bradenton this winter. How did that come about?
TW: I've known Denis [Hamlett] for quite a few years. I used to come around to the Fire when Bob Bradley was coaching. I'm best friends with his son Michael Bradley, and I met Denis when I was fourteen. We kept in touch throughout the years and he gave me a call during the end of last season and things just kind of went from there.
FI: Talk about your transition to your new club and how, the fact that you knew Denis helped you along the way.
TW: I was pretty nervous in the beginning coming into the team, but the guys made it easy for me on and off the field. The coaching staff with Denis...the players, it's a great group. Towards the end of training camp, I got offered a contract and this is where I wanted to be. It's very close to home...to Milwaukee. The atmosphere is great, and things are very professional. It's similar to what I experienced in New York, being around Bob Bradley, with him and Denis [Hamlett] having a similar system.
FI: Throughout the season on numerous occasions the defense has had people out due to National Team call-ups or injuries. Talk about the depth on this team and how you - the defenders - have been able to step up as a whole.
TW: Like you said, it's a really deep team and if one guy gets hurt there is always that other guy who can step in and play on a high level on that position. We're confident in everyone's abilities and know that they can help out the team. It's not just the defense but at other positions as well.
FI: What do you do when you're away from soccer? What are some of your hobbies? How do you spend your off-season?
TW: I don't really have many hobbies, except for going out to the movies, going out to eat, and just hanging out with friends. In the off-season I like to start out by preparing myself with some pick-up and then with like a month left start getting my body regenerated. Start lifting weights, and do some running. I spend the off-season in my hometown in Milwaukee, and it's good that I'm in Chicago because it's close by.
FI: What are some of your most memorable moments throughout your soccer career, not just in the MLS?
TW: Winning the U-15 state championship by scoring the winning goal in overtime was special. I played for a smaller club. Being drafted in the SuperDraft was special. The U-20 World Cup from 2007 in Canada was a huge event. It was a great venue, a lot of fans and the support was huge.
