10 Questions: Nick Zimmerman

By: Dave Martinez | July 8th, 2009

If there is a bright spot to the season, Nick Zimmerman is it. Coming from relative obscurity, the James Madison alumni has taken every small opportunity afforded to him on the field and excelled to the highest of his potential. His transition from a bench player to a near regular starter was a scenario that surely even he wouldn’t have been able to imagine a short five months ago. But as the attack minded midfielder has shown, his composure and intelligence on the ball have made him invaluable to the Red Bulls attack, and an asset to his teammates.

I had the opportunity to pick Nick’s brain on his first professional season, which has definitely been a unique experience for a young guy to go through. Here are 10 Questions with Nick Zimmerman:

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1- Nick, when you were announced a Red Bull at the draft, the team was coming off of an MLS Cup appearance. What did you see your role being on the team as opposed to where you are now?

Actually, I don’t think the role has changed as much as the expectations have changed. When I was lucky enough to get drafted, I wanted to work as hard as I could to learn and make the team. My goal then was to do anything I could do to help the team – play any position and to keep learning and developing as the team could best use me. I still feel the same way now with the same goal. However, I think some of the fun I have when I attack has shown in the games and there is now an expectation for me to be involved in an attacking style of play.

2- Have you ever been through as difficult period in a season as you have this year?

No one is satisfied with the results of our team so far and everyone is working hard to get this changed around. We all hate to lose and no one gets used to it. As this is my first year as a professional, the coaches and my other teammates have helped me to transition from college.

3- Why do you feel it took so long for you to get noticed?

I am grateful to the Red Bulls for drafting me and giving me a fair chance to make the team. I came from a less publicized Division 1 college team that didn’t have a great deal of success while I was there despite some good players and coaching. If Coach Osorio and his staff hadn’t selected me, I wouldn’t be here now. So I appreciate the chance to play in MLS and I look at each practice and game as a chance to contribute and opportunity to continue to learn and improve.

4- That leads me to my next question. Recently, Coach Osorio has been rumored to be on the chopping block. What has your experience with the coach been so far this season?

Coach Osorio has been very supportive and I appreciate the chances he has given me to be on the field. He has also worked hard with me in practice.

5- Did you ever see yourself winning Dane Richards starting job when you were first drafted?

No, I’ve never thought in those terms and I don’t think this has happened as Dane and I have both started at the same time. We have a lot of talented players all of whom are professional and who can start at any time and who have started this year. Who starts is a function of what the coach is trying to achieve on the field based on availability of players and playing style of opponent.

6- In your eyes, who are the team leaders and what are they saying to the club as RBNY continues to suffer through devastating losses?

All the veterans have been vocal in trying to get us back to a winning mentality and I keep learning from them.

7- Who has been most instrumental in helping your development?

There has been a bunch of players. It seems like each teaches me something and shows me ways to improve from training between games to positioning in the field.

8 – People look at you as one of the few bright spots on the team moving forward. What has your first season in New York treated you?

The fans have been great and they really know soccer. It is good that their expectations are high as they should be. It is a tremendous opportunity to play in New York. As a player, I need to do everything I can to justify the support of the fans.

9- What have you learned so far in your first year as a professional athlete?

To always stay focused. Soccer is my first love but it’s also now my profession. I have an obligation to the Red Bulls, MLS and most importantly to the fans to put my best effort into preparation and then to play well when I am on the field.

10 – Finally, what are your personal and team goals as the season winds down?