Walker Zimmerman picked a good team for a pair of personal MLS firsts last week.
Zimmerman, a Lawrenceville native and central defender for Dallas, scored his first playoff goal and then his first penalty kick to help his team knock out Seattle. The teams tied 3-3 after two games, with Dallas advancing to the Western Conference playoffs 4-2 in penalty kicks.
Dallas will host Portland in the first of a two-game series on Nov. 22.
Zimmerman, 22 years old and the seventh pick in the 2013 SuperDraft, took a few minutes on Wednesday to answer a few questions about the win over Seattle, his season, Atlanta United and if Clemson is going to win the national title. Questions and answers have been edited and/or paraphrased for clarity.
Q: Describe what happened on your first goal.
A: We had just gone down in the aggregate. We had to have a goal to win and only had stoppage time minutes left.
At that point I just freaked out.
I ran toward the bench and celebrated and then got ready to move onto extra time.
Q: Did you have a celebration in mind?
A: No goal celebration planned. Typically my reactions are the same. I scream “let’s go” and run toward the bench.
It’s just a natural reaction.
Q: Yall were considered underdogs against Seattle because of all of their Designated Players (Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins, etc.), what was your team’s focus in the series?
A: Confidence. We were No. 1 seed in the west had earned the homefield advantage through our regular season record. Even losing up there with a late-game winner, we knew our record was good at home (13-2-2) and we would have confidence.
There was a little bit more pressure because we lost the first leg, but no doubt we would go through.
Q: What is the key to Dallas playing well at home?
A: Being comfortable with the routine, being comfortable the day before and the day of the game. The Fan base, playing in front of our families.
It’s tough when you go on the road, the travel. When teams come here, especially in the summer, it’s hot and the weather’s a factor.
We just feel comfortable .
Q: How does Dallas match up with Portland?
A: It was an interesting matchup with them this season. We lost 3-1 there early and then they came down here and we won 4-1.
It was two games that were high-scoring, back and forth.
They know their identity and know how they want to play.
They are on a streak, similar to us.
Two teams that are pretty deserving of going to the final.
Q: Is it odd that you won’t play again for almost two weeks?
A: It’s not too odd. It’s really good for both teams, really good for the caliber of play.
It’s a long season. Getting some extra rest is not a bad thing.
There are some guys going to play during the international break.
Q: Is playing for the U.S. National team a goal?
A: I think everyone would be lying if they said they didn’t dream of playing on a national team in a World Cup.
I’m going to shoot for that dream of doing that one day.
Q: How close are you to getting there?
A: I need to start earning regular starting minutes and continue to work hard.
Maybe get some looks in the next few year’s.
I have to trust in my abilities and keep working.
Q: Dallas is one of a few teams that has relied heavily on his academy, compared to signing a lot of designated players. Is that a model that you think more MLS teams will use?
A: It may not look as similar as we have done it in Dallas with a lot of young kids.
You are seeing MLS teams partnering with USL teams. I think you will see more homegrown signings with the USL clubs first. It will be more of a developmental league and then you will work them in to MLS.
Q: What is the key for a franchise’s development?
A: Finding the right group of players. Team chemistry and team mentality go a long way. You need the right group of veterans to lead the younger guys, the right mix of international players and domestic players. Then it’s finding an identity that’s consistent from ownership to front office to the coaching staff. When everyone is on the page you can do something special.
Q: Have you paid attention to Atlanta United?
A: It's pretty fun to see an MLS team go into my hometown. It's fun to see all the season ticketholders, the new plans for the facility and all the fields. It's exciting to see that soccer has taken off there with an MLS following.
With Carlos Bocanegra at the helm it will be a good experience for him because he had such a great career.
Q: Have you thought about playing here someday?
A: I would definitely considering playing in my hometown and in front of my family. It would be such a fun experience.
Q: You still follow Clemson (he played at Furman but his brother Dawson punted for the Tigers)?
A: It’s a pretty exciting season for them. Dawson was at Florida State vs. Clemson. I was texting him and watching.
If they can pull it out in the next three games, win the ACC championship and move on….
Q: Will they win it all?
A: With Clemson you have to always look at if the ACC is good enough.
They’ve had a good schedule this year with a non-conference win against Notre Dame. They have to take it to the big dogs like Alabama and Ohio State.
Q: How’s your health?
A: Great, it’s been perfect. I haven’t missed a game since last August. I’ve been on the bench or started every game this year, which is huge. That’s what it’s about, figuring out how to best take care of your body.
I did a lot of work in the offseason to try to get that on track.
It’s been a great year. It’s been a blessing in disguise to have those early injuries and learn how to take care of my body. It will prolong my career in the long run.
Q: Of the players you’ve faced, who has been the best?
A: I think (Sebastian) Giovinco has had the MLS-MVP caliber season this year.
He’s had the best year.
I know he might not be the biggest name when you see (Steven) Gerrard, (Andrea) Pirlo and (Frank) Lampard.
Giovinco’s got a lot of potential to be a really special player.
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