Boris Pardo QnA

Hillcrest will be making the trip down to Bradenton tomorrow afternoon, so be ready for some first-hand updates over our next couple matches complete with pictures. Sunny Florida is sounding wonderful.

We caught up today with goalkeeper Boris Pardo by phone. Pardo, as some of you know, is technically a trialist, but his experience is quite different from many others'. He spent last season as a league goalkeeper, training with the Wizards whenever he was not called upon by another club. League goalkeepers are available (similar to the emergency loan system utilized in other countries) to MLS teams when multiple goalies are unavailable due to injury. Teams can then claim "injury hardship" and invite one of two league goalkeepers in to train and, potentially, play with the team. Pardo served this role last season. Hillcrest Road asked him how that system worked for him, and what his goals are for this year.

Explain the league goalkeeper situation? What MLS teams did you play for?
At first, it was kind of disappointing because I didn’t get an opportunity for a while. In the end it worked out because Toronto called me and I was with TFC for three first-team games. Then Dallas called me and I started and played three reserve games. When I came back to Kansas City, the coaches were seeing my progression and how I’d grown as a goalkeeper. My goal now is to make the Wizards team and to be a part of this organization and not be a part of the league system anymore.

Would you rather be league ‘keeper or on someone’s permanent roster?
I want to stay with Kansas City because the organization and the coaches and Peter Vermes have had the confidence in me to bring me back. At this time last year, I injured my shoulder and was out for a few weeks, which hurt me, so I’m thankful to be back this pre-season. I want to be a part of this team.

What have you learned by training with Kevin Hartman on a daily basis and under Dave Tenney?
Oh man, being around Kevin. Kevin and I have actually grown very close; we’ve become very good friends. He’s actually playing Halo on the floor right now as I talk to you. We’ve grown close and he’s taken a lot of time teaching me some things he’s learned through experience. Learning small things of being a goalkeeper from Kevin is so important, and I’m so happy he’s taken a liking to me. He says I have a bright future if I keep working hard and stay at it. He is very technically sound and day-in and day-out he's great for my learning process.

Dave is very demanding as a goalkeeping coach, and I like that. I like to work hard and he has a lot of workouts that keep us busy. Being with those two guys has improved me a lot since last season.

How does Tenney approach things compared to goalkeeper coaches in the league?
Dave cares a lot about his players and how they are physically and where they stand fitness wise. He makes the practice sessions exactly what you need. He takes the time to work with you. Dave concentrates a lot on his ‘keepers and I like that.

What is your favorite off-field activity?
When I’m back home, my favorite off-field activity is being with my family, my son and my new girlfriend. With the guys during pre-season, I’d say playing video games — especially Halo.

How old is your son, and what is it like being a father?
He’s three, just turned three in October. It’s interesting being a father. The situation was weird because I found out when he was already a year old, but things have worked out great. I’m very happy that I’m part of his life and that he’s a part of mine. It’s great to be dad. I feel like Big Daddy sometimes, not really knowing what to do, but you wing it and you learn. It’s been great to be a dad.

Any young ladies in your life?
I started a relationship during the off-season. I met someone back home and we’ve grown pretty close already. I’m happy to be with someone I care a lot about.

What did you think about Kansas City before you got here, and what do you think now?
I had never been to Kansas City in my life before last season. I thought it was just going to be all country. Compared to New York, there’s a big difference. I got to know the places downtown though, near the plaza and in Overland Park. It’s a very nice area. I’ve actually grown attached to it. It’s a big change coming from Newark, NJ and the fast-paced life-style. It’s a couple gears lower in Kansas City and I like it. It makes it easier to focus on one thing and be successful.

Pardo collects a ball during training in Kansas City during the 2008 pre-season.