Kempin Checks In

Although he's played there many-a-time, Sporting KC goalkeeper Jon Kempin was not on hand at BVDAC last night during Sporting's 5-0 rout of New England. Instead, Kempin was preparing for a match of his own with the U18 U.S. Men's National Team during their most recent trip. We had a chance to hear from Kempin this week, and he is enjoying this camp to the fullest. Hit the jump for a full Q+A.



Sporting Blogger: How does this camp compare to some of the other one you've been involved with?
This trip is like our last international trip to Israel because we have really tough opponents and not a lot of rest between games. It's exciting because we have a great group of guys here that don't always get called in because of club conflicts.

Sporting Blogger: You featured in the draw with Holland. How did that game go?
Holland are a very good team, one of the best in the world but we went into the match knowing we could win. Holland kept the ball a lot, but we were able to break them down and grab an early goal. Unfortunately they got one on the counter, and we had one disallowed in stoppage time. It was a great game.

Sporting Blogger: You're one of the only professional players on the team. Do the other amateur players ask you guys what life is like as a pro?
I've been asked a few times, and I also like to use my experiences to share with others to make them better, as well. My roommate on the trip is Luis Rendon, who was just named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, so he was pretty excited about that.

Sporting Blogger: You're a staple with the U-18 Men's National Team, what do you like about working with Matkovich and his staff?
I love working with the staff here. It's a great group, and they really tell you how things are. They've prepared us well, now all we need to do is get some results.

Sporting Blogger: What're your thoughts on Portugal? First time there?
This is my first time in Portugal and I love it. The food is great, the weather is perfect and everywhere I look there's a soccer field. Kids are playing everywhere, all the time, everyday. We also have security guards following us around wherever we go, so that's been interesting. We made it to the beach the other day, but the water was freezing! Finally, they showed the damage on the news here in Portugal, and I just want to say that my prayers go out to everyone that was affected by the tornadoes over this last week.