Angela Hucles
I had the opportunity to speak with the breakout star of these Olympics, Angela Hucles, very early this morning (for me) while she was munching on McDonalds' french fries in the Olympic Village. I also spoke with Carli Lloyd, but you will have to wait until tomorrow for that one as it is almost 3 am and I can not be trusted to transcribe another interview without some sleep!
How does it feel being the United State’s leading scorer going into the Gold Medal match of the Olympics?
It feels great. I’ve been in a position where I can score some goals. Obviously that’s part of my responsibility as a forward and I’m just happy I can contribute in that way.
Which of your four Olympic goals is most memorable?
Having an Olympic goal is pretty incredible in and of itself. Coming from not scoring a whole lot to scoring in the Olympics … I like all of them.
You’ve been around for along time. You’ve made two World Cup teams, but didn’t get the opportunity to play. You won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2004, but saw limited minutes as a sub. Here we are in 2008, going into the Gold Medal match and you’ve played every minute and are the team’s leading scorer. Talk about that journey.
It’s been a journey, for sure. It’s been nice for me to be able to see both sides, all aspects of playing different roles for the team, coming off the bench, being a sub, maybe not playing and just rooting my teammates on. Obviously, it hasn’t all been easy but being able to actually play in the Olympics is something that I’ve always wanted to do. Part of that I have control over and part I don’t. For me to be able to compete in an Olympic game is an honor.
I’m just excited. We’re getting better in every single game that we’re playing. I think there have been some skeptics out there and it’s nice to win. Being in a Gold Medal game is only going to help the program and help get more soccer fans for our country and all over
For you personally, having been in the mix, but more on the fringe, did you see this coming for you?
Definitely not at all. I think what has helped me is that I’ve always had certain goals in mind for myself. I’ve tried to do the right things regardless of the situation. Fortunately, I’ve had Pia’s support this year with playing. It’s very helpful to have that kind of support from your head coach, I just tried to do the things I could do on my end to put myself in a position whenever I had that opportunity and that chance, I was going to be ready for it.
Talk about the tournament. The team got off to a rough start against Norway but has really been building and getting better each match.
Maybe that first game was the best thing that could have happened to us. It was a situation where we had enough time to rebound from the loss and put ourselves on the right track. I think we were able to learn a lot from that game as well as the other games and continue to build on how we’ve been playing. We’ve just been getting stronger throughout it and building more confidence and getting comfortable, all of us playing in a slightly different formation with different personnel. We’re continuing to get better and better and we’re peaking at the right time. We’re coming together at the right time instead of being burned out and losing it at the end. Even thought it was a rough start, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to us.
What are your thoughts on Brazil and the Gold Medal match on Thursday?
We’re excited. I’m personally excited. We expect a really tough, tough game, but I think we’re all prepared for that. We’re focusing on ourselves and what we can do well. When we do that, we have fun out there and that’s when we really play well.
After touring around China for the first four matches, you finally made it to the Olympic Village. What has that been like?
It’s great. I’m having my McDonalds right now. For me, one of the greatest parts of being part of the Olympics is you get to see so many different athletes from different countries. I love seeing the diversity around here and the different clothing and just being a part of the Olympic experience. We have different USA athletes coming up to us and out to the games and supporting us and we’re doing the same for them. That’s something that is very inspirational when you’re in an event like this.
* Image by Brad Smith/isiphotos.com
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