Josh Saunders joined fans from around the globe in a live chat online on Wednesday, February 15. For those that missed it, read what he had to say about everything from pregame rituals to the biggest fast food junkie on the Galaxy squad.
Comment From Jason
Expectations for the upcoming season?
Josh Saunders:
We want to try and win another MLS Cup trophy and advance in Champions League to the Club World Cup
Comment From Nick Zanussi
If there was any player that you would want to join the Galaxy, who would it be?
Josh Saunders:
[laughs] Hmmm... let's say Clint Dempsey.
Comment From Matt
Do you consider Mike Magee the main challenger for your position?
Josh Saunders:
LOL
Comment From maxrocks1
hey josh!!! im at school and im chatting to you from my compuer class lol!x)
Josh Saunders:
Stay in school!
Comment From SDshotstopper
Josh- Last year you introduced a very unique looking camo glove from Aviata. What kind of glove habits do you have for pregame and postgame? Do you have an equipment guy who takes care of your gloves for you? How many pairs do you go through in a season? That kinda stuff?
Josh Saunders:
I don't trust anyone else to take care of my gloves other than myself, that's just my personal preference. I wash them pregame and postgame, and make sure they fit as snug as possible.
Comment From Guest
How do you like Ian [Feuer] as your trainer a.k.a. "Mr.Miyagi"?
Josh Saunders:
LOL, a.k.a. the predator, because he played the predator in the alien movie! No, Ian's the master of his game. He's helped me improve the most as a goalkeeper.
Comment From Scott
Watching the CONCACAF Champions League games last year, especially the away games, it seemed like those teams were just FIRING the ball at you from every angle every chance they could get. As a goalkeeper, what are you thinking in games like that? Where it seems like they just don't stop.
Josh Saunders:
Those games you kind of love it - non-stop action and you're always engaged.
Comment From Jason
Which team do you look forward to playing the most?
Josh Saunders:
Hmmm, probably Toronto right now just because they're our first game and it's CONCACAF Champions League, so we want to advance.
Comment From Calvin
What inspired you to become a goalkeeper, and even go forward with football as a career?
Josh Saunders:
Probably because I was bigger than everyone else as a kid, and my parents encouraged me to do whatever I wanted. Goalkeeping was challenging, so I stuck with it.
Comment From winston
Josh any tips for a teenage 'keeper like my self? I watch the LA games and try to do some of your moves!
Josh Saunders:
[Laughs] Train every day, as much as possible. The best way to get better as a player is just to get out there and constantly train.
Comment From ryan
What kind of cleats do you wear?
Josh Saunders:
Adidas adipure.
Comment From Scott
Three grizzly bears run onto the field. They've cornered Mike Magee. He's fighting them off with his sick karate skills, but you can tell he needs some help. You're the only one nearby. All you have is a water bottle, and your goalie gloves. What do you do..?!
Josh Saunders:
Mike Magee has the power of invisibility. He doesn't need my help. I can sit down, sip my water and enjoy the show!
Comment From Mirna
As a goalkeeper what are your preparations mentally prior to every game..??
Josh Saunders:
Stay focused as much as possible, don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you make a mistake, just forget about it. Just get into a routine.
Comment From Pierre
(Posting this for my son - who has been playing goalkeeper in AYSO for 3 years) do you have advice on warm up routines or skills to practices that help you maintain your high level of agility? Any tips would be great! Keep up the awesome work!
Josh Saunders:
Cone work and core stability most of all.
Comment From chendo
Josh, I was in seattle in 2009 for the final when I meet you at the fish market the day before the game. I asked you: "You're gonna be ready right... in case Ricketts gets hurt?" Of course your response was yes. So my question is " how do you keep your composure and what do you think about when it's your turn to step up going in for and injured player?
Josh Saunders:
You just have to rely on your training, do what you normally do. You can't put too much pressure on youself.
Comment From Joanne
How do you stay fit during the offseason? How important is nutrition?
Josh Saunders:
Lots of protein shakes. I do MMA training in the offseason actually.
Comment From justin
What song do you like to listen to before a big game?
Josh Saunders:
A friend sent me a couple samples of music. He puts together some good mixes for me. House music, I should say.
Comment From Greg
How does it feel to come in as the #1 'keeper for the defending MLS Cup champs? Does it change how you prepare/play?
Josh Saunders:
It's no different really. If you start to change things you put too much pressure on yourself.
Comment From Dobie
Who on the squad has the worse eating habbits? Any fast food junkies?
Josh Saunders:
Hmmmm man, tough question. There are a lot of fast food junkies. I'm gonna throw this out there because I know he'll probably read this and it'll make him laugh... I'll say A.J. DeLaGarza.
Comment From TED
Hello Josh ....I'm from manila and saw you play here...what do you like most of your trip here in the Philippines?
Josh Saunders:
People were really excited for us to be in the Philippines, that was just the biggest thing. The fan support was amazing.
Comment From Sean
Hey Josh, what was the best advice you received growing up that helped you improve your skills as a 'keeper?
Josh Saunders:
Never get discouraged and stick with it as much as possible if that's what you want to do.
Comment From Guest
How do you think Mike Magee did playing goal in the San Jose last year at Buck Shaw Stadium? Did he get to keep your jersey?
Josh Saunders:
Haha, I thought he did amazing! For him to do that was incredible. He did keep my jersey, and I think the gloves too.
Comment From Guest
What were your thoughts when you found out Donovan Ricketts was being traded?
Josh Saunders:
It was extremely difficult. He's always been a great teammate and friend.
