sjearthquakes.com:
How did you enjoy the weather in Tucson? The Bay Area got pelted with rain this past week.
David Bingham:
“I actually didn’t know that. The weather was good out there. It was a lot warmer than the last four years we’ve been there, so I didn’t really pack for it. It was good to get out there and train in the hot weather.”
SJEQ:
We were in Tucson for eight days. Through all of the training sessions, team meals and preseason matches, what were your takeaways from our time in the desert?
DB:
“Our time in Tucson was important for us. We had a few games in preseason, but the main thing was to get the rust off and get fit again. We’ve all had a long offseason. The main thing to get out of the trip was that there were no injuries and we’re another level closer for game fitness for the start of the year.”
SJEQ:
Being a leader in front of goal, you see everything develop in front of you more than anyone on the pitch. What has impressed you most about the ten men playing ahead of you in these first couple of weeks?
DB:
“We have a great group of guys here. There’s a core of guys that have been around here for years. We’re a little rusty here and there, but even in the first game, you saw glimpses of stuff that gets you excited. I think if we can continue that through next few games, we’ll be up to game speed fairly soon.”
SJEQ:
You were drafted by the Earthquakes and you had successful loan spells in San Antonio and Norway. Coming back to San Jose for 2015, what is your mindset coming into this big season for the club?
DB:
“It’s a huge season for the club, especially with the new stadium coming in. My mindset is really focusing in on this upcoming season by doing what I did last year. I had a really good year last year, got some great experience in San Antonio and Norway, and I plan on bringing that experience to the table this year to help secure a playoff spot.”
SJEQ:
You spent the latter part of 2014 in Norway with Strommen IF. For a lot of fans that were unable to follow your progression during your time there, talk about how you faired and what you took away from playing in Europe.
DB:
“Playing here is a lot different from playing in Europe. It was a good experience. I went to a team that was struggling a bit, but when I got there, we were able to turn it around. We climbed out of relegation and actually pushed for a playoff spot in the last few games. They have relegation and promotion over there, so we’re playing for jobs. It’s not like we had a bad year, hoping to do better next year. When you have a bad year, half of your funding is gone for the following year, so everyone’s out of a job. There’s definitely a lot more pressure over there and that’s what I took away from that experience.”
SJEQ:
All goalkeepers are different. Some are more vocal, others let their play do the talking. How would you describe your demeanor in front of goal?
DB:
“I would say I’m a bit of both. I’m definitely on the aggressive side as a goalkeeper. I do talk, but I’m not overly animated by any means. I like to focus on distribution and I’m really aggressive on crosses and other aspects of the game.”
SJEQ:
You’ve been playing professionally for four years now and you’ve experienced so much already at different levels around the world, and you’re still only 25. From what’ve you learned and experienced so far in your career, what do you hope to bring to San Jose in order for the club to play at a championship level?
DB:
“Our mindset has to be a championship season. After the past few seasons we’ve had, it’s time for us to step up as players and do our talking on the field. I’m 25, but it’s been my fifth season with San Jose, so I’ve definitely gone through the ups and downs. I understand that it’s a long season and I know what to expect. You can’t get too high and you can’t get too low. Like I said, there’s 10 months in league play, so I definitely have gotten both aspects of that. We had seasons where we couldn’t lose and we’ve had some tougher seasons, so I’ve definitely gotten both ends of the pendulum in that regard.”
SJEQ:
You’re a tattoo guy. A lot of people have tattoos that tell stories. For you, what tattoos are the most meaningful?
DB:
“I have some new tattoos on my left arm. I have a quote on the inside of my arm and an angel versus demon thing on my whole arm. It’s basically a whole, big tattoo. The quote just has to deal with really looking within ourselves. We’ve all made bad choices in the past and we’ve all made mistakes, so the tattoo looks at those mistakes and turns them into a positive, really making them a learning experience in life. That’s what my whole arm represents.”
SJEQ:
You were born in Castro Valley, you played at Cal and you’ve been with the Quakes for five years. Being a Bay Area native, what does Avaya Stadium mean to you?
DB:
“When you look at it, it’s really remarkable. When I was a kid, San Jose had a home in Spartan Stadium. When we came back, we had a home stadium, but it really wasn’t our home. This new stadium’s great for the club, it’s great for the players, and it’s even better for the fans. They can be proud of the stadium now. When they ask where you play, you’re excited to tell them. If someone doesn’t know about it, you want to tell them to go look it up. It’s the nicest stadium in the league. I can’t think of one stadium nicer than ours, and you’re just proud of that. It’s going to be something special.”
