In his first season with the club, defender Steve Purdy has been a versatile member of the Timbers’ backline. He’s helped Portland’s defense rank among league leaders in fewest goals allowed and shutouts. Get to know the California native off the pitch.
A:
Alter-ego – What is a superpower you wish you had?
Teleportation. After training, I can have lunch with some of my good friends/ex-teammates in Munich, Germany or dinner with my family in California.
B:
Band – If you were in a rock band, which instrument would you play?
The keytar … No explanation needed, it's that cool!
Editor’s note: the keytar is a keyboard that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to a guitar, and played in similar fashion to a guitar.
C:
Couch potato – What is one TV show you watch every week?
Jersey Shore – got to keep up with "The Situation."
D:
Devious – What was your favorite prank to pull or one that was pulled on you?
A few teammates and I pulled off a good prank on one of our teammates back in college. My teammate was somehow able to imitate our school's news webpage and inserted an article with giant letters titled "Men's Soccer Athlete Caught Cheating on Test." It wasn't until after he called his mom telling her that he was in big trouble that we decided to tell him it was a joke.
E:
Earplugs – What was the last concert you went to?
John Butler Trio – They were at KINK FM’s radio station while I was doing an interview and they hooked it up with free tickets; great band.
F:
Fame – If you could have a star on Hollywood’s Walk-of-Fame, who would you want yours next to?
I’d want mine next to “MJ,” any of the three – Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, or Michael Johnson. All three were great entertainers and the best at what they did.
G:
Goof – What’s your most embarrassing moment on the field?
I played a very good through ball and it actually turned into an assist ... for the other team.
H:
Humble – What’s one thing you aren’t very good at?
Oh what a tough question. I guess you can say that my singing is not up to par, but I make sure to not annoy anyone by keeping all my singing in the shower!
I:
Inspiration – Who did you look up to growing up?
Growing up, I was a huge Barry Sanders fan. He was an amazing athlete, but what I was so impressed with was the way he carried himself, always with a very humble attitude.
J:
Job – What would you do if you weren’t playing soccer?
Hopefully, an architect. I studied a couple of years of architecture at UC-Berkeley before turning professional.
K:
Keys – Growing up, what was your dream car? Would you own it today?
Lamborghini ... Gallardo. Would I own it today? C'mon, it’s a Lamborghini.
L:
Log Slab – What do you do think you’ll do with your first log slab as a member of the Timbers?
I would get it signed by the whole team and definitely keep it with some of my other prized processions.
M:
Music – What is your favorite song on your iPod/MP3 player right now?
I like a song called "Bright Side of Life" by a California reggae rock band called Rebelution. Check them out!
N:
Nickname – Do you have a nickname, or is there something your teammates call you?
“The P.” A couple of the guys call me this, I really don't know how it started – ask Rodrigo Lopez aka “The Ro.”
O:
OH! – What scares you the most?
Snakes. I had a bad run in with one in my apartment this year. I still think it lives somewhere on my floor!
P:
Pizza – What toppings are necessities?
Pepperoni and pineapple. I love pineapple and can have it in every meal.
Q:
Quiet – What do you like to do to unwind?
In California, I would go to the beach. In Portland, I relax with friends or maybe watch a movie.
R:
Read – What was the last book you read?
“Uncommon” written by ex-NFL coach Tony Dungy. It's a great and easy read, full of great experiences and insight from a man who's been through some adversity.
S:
Superstition – Do you have any pre-game rituals or game-day routines?
Prayer and sign of the cross – I give thanks to God who has given me the great opportunity to play soccer for a living.
T:
Town – How would you best describe your hometown?
Morgan Hill, California; it is a suburb of San Jose. A pretty quiet city with not much going on but it is home and I love it!
U:
Untouchable – What do you consider the most valuable in your life?
Family, you can always rely on family to be there for you.
V:
Visitor – What’s your favorite city you’ve played in on the road during your career?
Korea – I had the pleasure to play in front of 35,000 people in a World Cup stadium.
W:
World – What’s the farthest you’ve traveled around the world?
Again Korea, I was able to play there with the U.S. U-20 National team.
X:
X-ray – Have you broken any bones or had any serious injuries?
No, I drink a lot of milk.
Y:
Yellow Card – What is one life lesson you learned through soccer?
Do not cut corners ... Follow through with everything that you do.
Z:
Zodiac – What’s your astrological sign?
Aquarius, and according to my horoscope, my weekend will be successful , which is a great sign for the game at Vancouver!
