Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
April 4, 2001

Harris had a career best 15 goals last year. (New England Revolution)

New England Revolution forward Wolde Harris stopped by to chat about the start of the MLS season.

2000 was Harris' best year. He had a career best 15 goals and seven assists to lead the team in both categories. He scored five game-winning goals and tied the MLS all-time scoring steak by scoring in seven consecutive games.

Last year the Revolution lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs ending their best season ever with a record of 14-15-6. Chat transcript below.

Wolde Harris: I would like to thank all of you for writing in to CBS SportsLine. I look forward to your questions.

Question: If you were going to instruct someone on how to watch soccer in order to make them a fan of the game, what would you have them concentrate on? How would you tell about what's important to watch?

Wolde Harris: They would be more entertained by the midfielders. They are the joining players between the forwards and the defense. They have the ball the most and are the most skillful ball handlers. So for the fan I would have them watch the midfielders and the attacking midfielders. If a team is good they will have creative midfielders and forwards and that would be what I have them focus on.

Question: Where do you feel you are most dangerous on the field? Off the ball or with the ball?

Wolde Harris: I think both. It depends on what part of the field I am on. If I am in the box, close to the goal, then with the ball. But off the ball I am dangerous when I am in the middle of the field. Where I like to play, personally and feel I almost efficient? In and around the goal.. in the box.

Question: You were 6th in the league in scoring last year. What would a scoring title mean to you?

Wolde Harris: It would mean a lot. That has always been one of my goals. Every year I have improved a little more. That is my next-to-ultimate goal, besides a championship, is a scoring title. that would mean a lot to my game and my career.

Question: What is it like playing for Fernando Clavijo?

Wolde Harris: Well.. it is great for me! He gives me the freedom to do the things I want to do around the box. I don't feel restricted like I did in Colorado. There I had a role like a super sub or something. Here I have the freedom to do things with the ball and he has the confidence in me to do what I can. Clavijo gives me the freedom to create.

Question: Do you think you'll be able to improve on your goals scored this season, or are teams now going to be on the lookout for you?

Wolde Harris: I think they will definitely be on the lookout for me and others like Williams. We are the offensive threat to them. But more goals? I will try but we will see. I intend on improving in all aspects of my game within the team needs. But I am not going to go out there and say I have to do it. We have talented people here. The pressure isn't on one person to score. I will go out there and try to finish everything and every opportunity. But the goal is to win a championship.

Question: What do you think of the signing of Andy Williams?

Wolde Harris: I think it is great for us! He does things and takes attention off me. He is so skillful with the ball, can take players our, shoot well and get behind the defenders. They'd probably pick me up then if he weren't there. We've added another dimension with a scorer like him. It was a great signing and just talking to him I think he is comfortable here.

Question: What is your opinion of the Revolution letting Pogue go and bringing back Sommer?

Wolde Harris: I think Pogue was a good keeper. He is young and good. But Sommer was here before and knows the team and us. And he has tons of experience. I can't comment on why coach did it, you'd have to ask him. We know Sommer's tendencies and we know him off the field and he has proven himself here. As far as Pogue doing a good job and us getting Sommer, I don't know why coach made the decision but we are comfortable right now.

Question: Who do you consider the best players in the MLS today?

Wolde Harris: Wow.. there are a ton of good ones today! Kobe Jones is exciting, Moreno, Diallo.. they are all fantastic. Those are just a few.

Question: Do you think the MLS has what it takes to survive as a league?

Wolde Harris: As far as the players are concerned? Yes. As far as the financing? I can't say. For the fans, we are getting closer. I hear guys talk about money and I don't know because I don't know what they are getting player. As for me, I am one of the few maybe who have been rewarded for good play. As for the fans, it depends on how much they get into it and support it. We need them to get into it like baseball, basketball, and football.

Question: Even though soccer is a great game, it just doesn't seem to catch some people out there. Do you think that any rules changes could help the general popularity, like getting rid of or modifying the offsides rule?

Wolde Harris: Personally I am a traditionalist when it comes to the rules. I don't think they should be changed, although FIFA has changed some for the better. As far as the offsides rule I don't think we should change it just for the people in America. This sports is played all over the world. If FIFA chose to change it I would abide by it. But I don't think we should change that. I think if we get the game out there in youth groups and get it to the young players, it will attract more people than rules changes will. That will get the kids, the young generation to love the game as it is.

Question: Did you play other sports growing up? What took you into soccer?

Wolde Harris: Yes I played other. I did the discus and high jump in track and field. I played American Football for a year in high school. I played cricket. And little bit of Tennis. Soccer is the #1 sport in Jamaica. My father was an All American and a big influence. I was always around a soccer ball. I have a picture of me like 2 months old with a ball. It was like I was born to play soccer. Soccer is what all the kids do in the street or the park.. play soccer. that is what I grew up with. It has always been with me.

Question: I hear you are one of the best Playstation players on the Rev. Whats your game?

Wolde Harris: Definitely FIFA 2001! I am deadly on that. I am into all the soccer games. I am into some others.. but mainly the soccer ones.

Question: Describe what it's like to score a goal in the MLS?

Wolde Harris: Wow. To score a goal in ANY formal, official game is exciting. It is the culmination of getting up early and practicing 3-4 hours a day, studying tapes, and working hard. And when you get out there and you see the end product of you work, it is great. It is such a release of emotions you never know what you will see after a goal. That is why you have such wild celebrations around the world!

Question: Who has had the biggest influence on your career? Where did you learn the most along the way?

Wolde Harris: Probably my Dad. He still gives me advice on how I am playing. And my younger brothers too. They are up and coming players too. My middle brother is in college and my youngest brother is in high school. They help me be the best I can.

Question: Doesn't it seem more productive RIGHT NOW for young talents like Convey or Beasley to head to Europe for a YDP rather than MLS or NCAA?

Wolde Harris: I think that is their choice. It is the choice that player makes with the advice of the parents and agent and making the best decision for them. I had the choice to go to Europe but I didn't. I went to college and got an education. If a player feels that going over there is best, then go. If they feel they want to stay in the US and be with their family, parents. It is up to them

Question: Describe what it will take for The New England Revolution to win the MLS Cup this season?

Wolde Harris: A lot of hard work. Lots and lots of it. That has been the basis of our success last year. With that and people playing certain positions their best that we have a good formula.. a chemistry to be winning.

Wolde Harris: Thanks to all the fans again. Keep watching MLS Soccer and keep supporting MLS Soccer so we can compete with basketball and baseball and football. It will take time but it takes YOU.. Thanks again. Goodnight!