Interview with NPSL Player of the Week Connor Gordon of OCFC
OCFC’s Connor Gordon was named the sixth player of the week as he begins his NPSL career in top form. SoccerToday spoke with Gordon who led OCFC to a win last week in our latest highlight interview of the award’s recipients.
Related Article: NPSL Player of the Week: OCFC’s Connor Gordon
NPSL Soccer News: Orange County FC midfielder Connor Gordon was recognized as NPSL Player of the Week after he recorded a brace in his debut with the club.
OCFC tied SoCal SC 3-3 as the Concordia University Irvine alumni begins his career in the NPSL.
SoccerToday spoke with Gordon on his experience playing in the league and his career aspirations moving forward.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you join the club?
Connor Gordon: I joined OCFC on April 12th.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like best about your team?
Connor Gordon: The best thing about OCFC is the family atmosphere that also promotes a competitive environment. It is a very unique team to be a part of, and the atmosphere in trainings and games is something that I enjoy and haven’t quite seen before. Everyone is happy to see you succeed but at the same time pushing you to be better every day.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like most about playing forward?
Connor Gordon: My natural position is a typical center forward, but when I came to OCFC I have been playing a position similar to a withdrawn forward or almost an attacking midfield role.
My favorite thing about the new position is that I have freedom to come back and get the ball and combine with other players that are higher up the pitch. It also gives me more freedom to read and feel the game as well as find spaces to get in on goal.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you first start playing soccer?
Connor Gordon: I starting playing soccer for the first time around the age of four and haven’t stopped since.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team did you first play for?
Connor Gordon: Like many kids that age, I started playing AYSO and eventually moved into the club system when I was old enough.
Diane Scavuzzo: Did you play collegiate soccer?
Connor Gordon: I am blessed to be able to say that I play at Concordia University Irvine under Chris Gould. It is an amazing program to be in, and I couldn’t be happier with my college experience.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does it take to be an impact player?
Connor Gordon: It takes many things to be an impact player, but the most important thing to me is determination and self-belief.
These two things really go hand-in-hand and to me are the best two attributes to have. Self-belief is confidence that you have the ability to change the game in any given moment, regardless of what situation you are in.
Determination fits into this equation because much like many things in life, things don’t always go your way.
When you put these two things together it creates a player that can top any challenge and keep fighting regardless of how the situation is going. I really think that is what makes an impact player. The ability to keep pushing yourself the same way when you’re down 3-0 or up 3-0.
Diane Scavuzzo: Please tell us about your coach — what is he like to play for?
Connor Gordon: Paul Caligiuri is a great coach because he has seen so much success in his playing career.
Paul wants to see everyone on the team experience soccer the way that he did. He is always pushing everyone to be their best and incorporating new ways to build team chemistry.
Diane Scavuzzo: What inspires you?
Connor Gordon: My biggest inspiration is to serve God on and off the field. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity and ability to play soccer. I hope to spread my inspiration to all those around me.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals as a player?
Connor Gordon: My goals as a player are to play in the MLS and eventually the USMNT.
I grew up always watching MLS and going to LA Galaxy games. I have always dreamed of playing for my hometown team.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?
Connor Gordon: If I could have any super power it would be to breathe underwater. I have always loved the ocean and the marine life. I would love to see more. Close second place is flying.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team or player?
Connor Gordon: My favorite soccer team is Arsenal and my favorite player is Mesut Özil. He is amazing to watch and one of the best at what he does. Behind closed doors, I root for LA Galaxy and I love the way that Alessandrini has been performing lately.
