Midfielder Blair Gavin brings significant experience to the T2 squad, having spent four seasons in Major League Soccer. He talked about coming to T2, helping this team win, former teammates that aided in his professional development and more in this Q&A.
Welcome to the Rose City. What are your early impressions of Portland?
It’s been great. The weather’s been beautiful, can’t ask for much more. Training’s been top-notch and I’m excited to get this year going.
Your brother Michael also played professionally. What was that like growing up together playing the game? Any rivalries?
Yeah, it was nice. It always helps when it’s your older brother, you get to go outside and kick around the ball with him, it helps for sure. It’s always been nice to watch him play and emulate his moves. I get to see the successes and also the failures and learn from both, so it’s fun.
You’re an experienced professional. Which former teammates were influential for you when you were a young professional getting started in the game?
There’s been quite a few. Some of them are just passing my mind right now, but a guy like Ante Jazić at Chivas USA and Dan Kennedy, growing up with those guys. Alan Gordon with Chivas USA for a little bit. There have been a lot of different players that I’ve looked up to that have helped me in some sort of way.
What are you most looking forward to during this inaugural T2 season?
Winning. I think that’s the main objective here, and the wins will amass if we keep working hard. I think that’s what we’re here for. We also have to try and put our best foot forward to make the first team and develop.
T2 open their inaugural USL season this Sunday at Merlo Field against Real Monarchs SLC (6pm PT, STREAM: Timbers2.com). Tickets start at $10.
