This week, SJEarthquakes.com sat down with newcomer Ellis McLoughlin to talk about his transition from German soccer to MLS and a few non-soccer items. Get to know the Quakes latest signing:
SJEarthquakes.com: What was your initial reaction after signing with the Earthquakes?
Ellis McLoughlin: I was just happy. I’d been working hard last summer and had just come back from Berlin, so I was happy to find a team. I’d gotten to know the coaches and players, and liked them, so was happy to sign here.
SJEQ: What did you learn from your stay in Germany at Hertha Berlin?
EM: I think I learned how to be a professional, what it requires, how to act. It made me a better soccer player as well; I feel like I’m ready for the MLS. It made me prepared for this right now.
SJEQ: What would you say is the biggest difference between the styles of play in Germany compared to the MLS?
EM: Germany’s definitely more straightforward. Over here, they play more field-to-field. In Germany it’s just straightforward balls over the top, and strong physical play.
SJEQ: For the Earthquakes fans who haven’t gotten to see you play much, how would you describe yourself as a player?
EM: I think I’m a runner. I run at players and have a good shot. I’m more of an assist guy, but I can also score goals and create opportunities for the team. I’m also a hard worker.
SJEQ: We saw you play on the left in the first half, then on the right in the second of Tuesday's Reserve League match. Is versatility one of your main attributes?
EM: Yeah. I can use both of my feet well, so I can cut in from both sides. The coaching staff is trying me out on both sides. I’m better with my left foot, so I like to cut in from the right wing.
SJEQ: In coming up as a youngster, who did you model your game after?
EM: Wayne Rooney, for sure. He’s been my favorite player for a while.
SJEQ: You got your first taste of MLS action this past Saturday. How did it feel and what were your emotions when you took the field for the first time?
EM: It was awesome to make my debut. It was exciting to get out there in an official game, especially having the coach put me out there in a situation where we were right in the game and needed a goal and were pushing forward well.
SJEQ: You were a standout with the US Under-17 Men’s National Team. Do you think we’ll see you back in a USA jersey at some point in the future?
EM: I hope so. Right now I have to concentrate on playing well. I want to work on getting more minutes here and then we’ll see what happens. Obviously getting back up there would be great, but for the moment I have to focus on the Quakes.
SJEQ: Stepping away from soccer, as a Seattle native, how do you find life here in the Bay Area?
EM: It’s awesome. Steven Lenhart, Joey Gjertsen and I have been living in Santa Cruz for two weeks now and we really like it. Steve really wanted to live there, so I checked it out and liked it. The commute’s not too bad. We found a really cool, cheap place, right by the beach. It’s a good place to just get away after training.
SJEQ: That’s a popular surf spot. Do you guys surf?
EM: Steve does and I’m learning. He’s teaching me (chuckles).
SJEQ: Aside from learning to surf, what do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer?
EM: I have a two year-old golden Labrador retriever, so he takes up a lot of my time. I also like to skateboard, so that’s about all I have time for.
SJEQ: Lastly, what’s on your MP3 right now? What do you listen to to get fired up before a game?
EM: I listen to a bit of everything. Right now it’s Waka Flocka. That’s my pump up music right there. But when I’m just chilling, I’d probably be listening to Jack Johnson.
SJEQ: Alright Ellis, thanks a lot and good luck this season!
EM: Thanks.
