Alec Kann (pronounced Can), native of Decatur , Lakeside High alum and goalkeeper for Atlanta United, took a few minutes Wednesday morning to answer questions about his experience with the MLS expansion team.
Kann was selected by Atlanta United in the expansion draft after stops with Chicago and Sporting KC. He would seem to the front-runner to be the starting goalkeeper for the season-opening game against New York Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium on March 5.
Q: What are the goals for Saturday in Chattanooga?
A: Get the guys some minutes. We’ve been playing against each other a lot but not really against anyone else, so let’s get the competitive juices flowing again. Most of these guys haven’t played in a game that means anything since November, December, so it will be nice to get going again.
Q: Any sense of how yall will be used on Saturday? Eleven in the first half and new 11 in the second half?
A: We don’t really have an indication yet, but with the number of guys that’s usually how it is.
Q: Now that the team has moved here to Marietta, how does the training compare to what you were doing at IMG?
A: It’s nice to have a home base. It’s tough not to be inspired when you come out and see fields and a facility like this.
Q: How are the goalies looking? I know there are at least four of you in camp right now?
A: I feel like we are all sharp. I think we’ve gotten most of the cobwebs out of the system and continuing to work with Aron and getting fired up about the season.
Q: What has this experience been like coming back home?
A: It’s been a lot of adjustment, almost like moving to a new city since I haven’t lived here since I was 17. I’m rolling with it. It’s amazing to be around family and friends.
Q: What’s the hardest thing about being a goalkeeper in MLS?
A: Opportunities are rare and when you get them you need to take them by both hands and not let them go.
Q: If you weren’t an MLS goalkeeper, what profession would you be?
A: Some sort of counseling. I was a sociology major. So, something working with people, helping work through problems, preferably with sports because that’s what I know best.
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