June 2, 2005

Former Wake Forest midfielder and current Revs rookie James Riley has appeared in five games this season and earned four starts. The Colorado Springs, Colo. native has contributed to the Revs' undefeated streak with three assists.

Following the Revs' 1-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday, May 14, Riley traveled back to Winston-Salem to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Riley recently sat down with revolutionsoccer.net for an online chat:

As a child, what did you want to do for your career?
I wanted to be a basketball player. I played basketball and soccer until my sophomore year, and then chose soccer my sophomore year in high school. I probably wasn't tall enough to be a basketball player, so that's why I changed. But I started varsity my freshman and sophomore year and I was always on the traveling teams.

What did you do to get where you are right now as a professional soccer player?
I use to practice a lot. Even after practice, I had a cement wall in my garage that I use to touch on for hours. Even on weekends. I use to never go out. I just played on my wall, forever.

Recently my coach has me playing a different position than I am used to. In fact I have never played this position at a competitive level. Do you have any advice for me on how to adapt?
It definitely helps to build your game if you can play a lot of positions, especially at an early age. So, I just recommend that you do the best that you can with it. Watch some games, watch that position on TV. Then I think you become a well-rounded player, if you play a lot of positions at an early age.

How serious is your injury?
We are taking our time with it, because we don't want it to be a nagging or chronic injury, so as much time as needed. It's a long season, so the coaching staff and training staff want me to take my time and be fully healthy. That's my type of game, to go all out there when I am out there and I can't go all out if I am only 80 percent.

Obviously there is a jump in skill level in MLS. What was the biggest surprise for you?
I definitely think the speed. The speed is quicker, so the options open up quicker. And it is more of a job now. It is people's livelihood, so you have to think about that when you come to training. Everybody has to be sharp.

What MLS city do you most look forward to visiting? And who do you want to beat the most?
Colorado, because that is my hometown. And I want to beat them for not drafting me.

What do you do in the off season? Do you have another job?
I train all year. I haven't really had an off season yet. My plan is to train all year. I will probably go home to Colorado for that time off and hang out with the family and rest.