KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Teal Bunbury turned down a call-up from Canada for their upcoming national-team camp last week, delaying making a decision on his international future and prompting those north of the border to wonder whether the young striker would try to take advantage of his American citizenship.
MLSsoccer.com sat down with the 20-year-old Wizards rookie after training on Wednesday to discuss the call up, his national-team future and current situation in Kansas City.
MLSsoccer.com: Reports last week indicated you got a call up from the Canadian national team but turned it down. Tell us about that.
Bunbury: Basically, Stephen Hart with the Canadian Men’s National Team gave me a call and wanted me to come to the camp that’s coming up here. I just told him right now, as a rookie, I am trying to focus with the Wizards. The team also wanted me to stay here because I’m getting playing time. I wanted to cement myself as a good first-year player with the Wizards, so I just told him, as of right now, I was focused on staying here and contributing here. If he asked me again for the next camp, I’ll make my decision then. Right now, I’m just focusing on what I can control.
MLSsoccer.com: You aren’t going, but you have to be flattered that Canada are calling and indicating you are someone who could be in their plans.
Bunbury: It feels really good. As a 20-year-old, playing internationally is a great thing. I feel blessed and honored to be able to represent my family and represent my country. All those things are good, but I have to keep putting the work in. I can’t let it get to my head. I’ve got to stay focused on the things I can control and what I’m good at. Working everyday and not settling for mediocrity. Always striving to be the best. I feel that is going to be my edge is not letting down now that I got the call up.
MLSsoccer.com: Some of the rumors out there are that you said no to Canada because you are thinking about the United States.
Bunbury: I would say right now that stuff really isn’t my mind. This is my first year as a pro, and I am really trying work hard establishing myself as a player. I’ve started some games. I haven’t started some games. I have a couple goals, and I really want to have more than two goals so I am trying to focus on that. Yeah, every player wants to play internationally and that’s been my dream, but right now the best thing for me is just staying focused with the Wizards.
MLSsoccer.com: We have to ask: If it were between the two and both called you up, where would that leave you?
Bunbury: Honestly, right now it’s just time to focus on the Wizards.
MLSsoccer.com: Birahim Diop has started in the middle the last two games. Obviously, everyone out here wants to start every game. Does being in and out of the lineup help keep you hungry?
Bunbury: There is always competition, and I think that’s what everyone strives for because that brings out the best in everybody. I haven’t started the past couple games, but each day in training is where I can showcase myself and let the coaches know that I am here and want to be starting. Every player wants to start and everyone has it in their mind during training that they are going to give it their all to get the starting role. As for me, I can only do the things that I can control and focus on the things that I’m good at to make those better and also improve my weaknesses.
MLSsoccer.com: As far as the Wizards go, what do you think has changed the most for you since your first day as a professional to now?
Bunbury: I think overall that everything has gotten better. If you asked my teammates and coaches, I feel like they would tell you that everyday I give it my all. I’ve improved since day one. All aspects of my game: mentality for sure, my strength, using my body better, my touches and my finishing. Even though I only have two goals, I feel like that’s improved. Overall, being with this organization has helped me out a lot. Some of the veterans have been very helpful, the coaches are always there if I have a question. I’m really happy. I have this God-given ability, and I always have to give praise to him. Without him, this wouldn’t be possible.
MLSsoccer.com: Jon Kempin started his career Wednesday at age 17. You aren’t that much older. Do you ever think about what could have been had you done something similar?
Bunbury: I’ve contemplated that, but I think college was the right decision for me. Just going to Akron was great with Caleb Porter and all the coaches and players there. The organization there was the best. Going any other place, I don’t know if I would have developed like I did. They worked hard with me, and I really appreciate what they did. I feel like the college level really helped me. I just had to change my game a little coming here.
