The Bilingual Junior Reporter program is designed to encourage Hispanic youth to be proud of their heritage and language. Students are nominated by their teachers and then apply to have the opportunity to interview a Timbers player or a member of the coaching staff. Following the interview, the selected students are required to write a report about the experience in English and Spanish. With a professional interview, the students are able to further develop their bilingual speaking and writing skills while exhibiting a passion for the sport.
Q&A with defender Steve Purdy
Written by Stephanie Corea, Milwaukie High School
What’s one piece of advice from a soccer coach that you feel was important to you?
Steve Purdy: Always work hard. Work on weaknesses. All hard work will give good results.
How do you like Oregon?
SP: I like Oregon. I didn’t really know about Portland, but so far it’s great. I like the summers and the Timbers fans.
What was your favorite memory from this past season?
SP: Definitely the home opening game against Chicago. I started and it was our first win.
Who has the best fans for the MLS?
SP: Definitely the Portland Timbers.
If you could play any position what would it be?
SP: Forward. I love scoring goals, but I enjoy defense.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
SP: Pray before games and thank god.
What was your high school GPA? How was your college experience?
SP: GPA was a 3.7. I loved college, went to Berkeley. It was a unique city. I liked being around smart professors and I had fun with soccer. Overall, it was great.
How do you rate your Spanish speaking ability from a 1-10? Do you think it’s important/ helpful to speak Spanish?
SP: I would say a seven or an eight. My accent is too American. I’ve been learning from the (El Salvador) national team, but in general, yes it’s very important to continue speaking Spanish.
Who do you think is better, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
SP: Last year Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi is the BEST.
How long have you been playing soccer?
SP: I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old.
Who is the toughest player to defend?
SP: In El Salvador players from Panama. In the MLS there are a lot of good players.
What is your favorite dish from El Salvador?
SP: I love my mom’s pupusas.
Was your family excited about you playing for El Salvador?
SP: Yes, they were very excited.
What was the best thing about playing for El Salvador?
SP: I would say playing in the 2011 Gold Cup.
I had a great time meeting Steve. I thought it was cool how he is from an El Salvadoran family like me. It was great that he could take time out of his schedule because I know that he needed to get ready to compete for El Salvador. It was also cool that my mom got to have a picture with him.
