Revs Star JD Gunn Q&A: Overcoming Failure to Make the MLS

What a night it was over at National Club in New Bedford. On Monday, June 22, they welcomed soccer fans to enjoy a watch party with New England Revolution goalkeeper JD Gunn. My son is really into the World Cup right now, so my family and I were excited to attended the event. While there, we had the chance to meet Gunn (who couldn't have been nicer) as he signed autographs and took photos with restaurant-goers.

Check out my interview with Gunn as we discussed his time in the league, his advice for young hopefuls and more.

An Exclusive Chat with Revs Goalkeeper JD Gunn

MJ: What has your time been like on the Revs?

JDG: "This is my third season now, and I've really enjoyed it. It's been great. I love the coaching staff, specifically the goalie coach. He's been instrumental in my career development and I think we have a really great group of guys. The day-to-day is a lot of fun and I enjoy being here in this area as well."

The Impact of the FIFA World Cup on American Soccer

MJ: It's been quite the year with the FIFA World Cup. Have you noticed a shift or an uptick in the excitement from your fans?

JDG: "For the growth of this sport in America, this is huge. I think it's brought a lot more attention to the game than there was before. And I think, you know, when you have superstars that are all playing here and these teams that everybody has heard of, like Brazil, France, England, you know, these big, big stars and big teams. I think it's just a great environment for the American fans to see what top quality soccer looks like. And hopefully, you know, we can continue to improve the game here and continue for it to grow."

MJ: Is it cool to see your home field being used for world class play?

JDG: "It's super cool to see these, you know, again, world stars that are playing in the same place that we play in. And hopefully, you know, myself and the rest of us on the team, we can reach that level one day as well."

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From Panama to the MLS: Overcoming Career Failures

MJ: Growing up in Panama, I can only imagine what it must be like to see your childhood dream come true.

JDG: "I'm very blessed to even be playing a sport for a living. To be in this situation where I get to play soccer and hopefully, you know, inspire the younger generation as well, it's something that I really enjoy. Being able to give back to others and to inspire kids like myself to want to play professionally and to pursue their dreams."

MJ: I know my son was thrilled to meet you and it's nice to hear some words of encouragement, but I also think it'd be nice for young kids to hear about the failures that you've had.

JDG: "Oh, yeah, I've failed countless times. I was not really recruited coming out of high school. I went to division two, got red shirted and didn't start. Then my sophomore year wasn't the starter, but then I won the starting spot. Transferred to a D1 school, wasn't the starter, won the starting spot, came to the Revs, wasn't the starter, won the starting spot on the second team. And then signed my first team contract this offseason. So I've had to deal with a lot of setbacks, but I think if you can overcome that failure and use it as something that pushes you forward, I think those are the players that, you know, make a long career out of it."