Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America - #522: Jordan Morris joins the pod

Episode Date: August 7, 2024

Seattle Sounders and former USMNT forward Jordan Morris sat down late last week for a wide-ranging and easy-going conversation with Sanjay Sujanthakumar. They covered playing for coaches such as Jurgen Klinsmann, Brian Schmetzer and Gregg Berhalter, fatherhood of course, his favorite goal of his career, and why he hasn't historically used his left foot as much as people would like. Bonus cameo from Brad Evans on that subject. Skip the ads! Subscribe to Scuffed on Patreon and get all episodes ad-free, plus any bonus episodes. Patrons at $5 a month or more also get access to Clip Notes, a video of key moments on the field we discuss on the show, plus all patrons get access to our private Discord server, live call-in shows, and the full catalog of historic recaps we've made: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedAlso, check out Boots on the Ground, our USWNT-focused spinoff podcast headed up by Tara and Vince. They are cooking over there, you can listen here: https://boots-on-the-ground.simplecast.comAnd check out our MERCH, baby. We have better stuff than you might think: https://www.scuffedhq.com/store Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sanjay here and I'm joined by Seattle Sanders and U.S. men's national team forward at Jordan Morris. Jordan, thanks for coming on the pod. Yeah, of course. Happy to be here. So thoughts on the game this morning, were you up for that? Yeah, my baby woke me up early, so I was up watching it. Caught the second half, obviously feel for those guys. They made a good run and, you know, if you win that game, you're playing, you obviously, you know, have a chance to play for a medal.

So I know that was disappointing for them. And Morocco were a really good team, so it was a tough game. But they definitely had a good run. Have you been able to watch a lot of the Olympics in general? Yeah. I mean, it's on. My wife's a big Olympics fan just in general. Me too.

And the covers they had this year is great. So it's kind of just on in the background when we were at home. And then obviously focusing on the soccer a bit more. What's your favorite event, non-soccur? Probably gymnastics or swimming. And then I've recently gotten into golf a ton, so I am addicted to golf now. So I'm watching the golf that's been on the last couple days. Where would you rank yourself in the U.S. Men's National Team Pool with golf?

In the middle, I would say. Christian politics is obviously really good. Walker is really good. And then those are kind of who I've played with the most. Paul Arroyola is pretty good. Christian Rodon's good. Me and Aaron Long have a nice competition going. So I would say I'm in the middle working my way up because my grind is unmatched, I think.

It seems pretty competitive. Like, everyone seems pretty obsessive. For sure. Whenever we would get out to camp sometimes and when we had a day off, we'd always try to get on the course, and it's fun. So it's a good way to get away from the game a bit. Definitely. Yeah.

So yeah, let's talk about the national team. Let's go back in time. Ten years now, that's pretty crazy. Yeah, wow. Summer of 2014, Palo Alto. Yeah. Talk us through how you're getting introduced you to the national team. I'm invited to training, right?

And then the scrimmage, and then there's obviously some recruiting after that, kind of. But let's talk about the very beginning. Yeah. I mean, it's a crazy story. So I played with the U-20. I was very late to the U.S. national. team pool in general. My senior year I played, of high school I played, got called in late to like that U-20 cycle, didn't end up making the World Cup squad, but TAB Ramos was the coach,

so he got to see me a little bit. And when they, when the full national team came to Stanford to train before the World Cup, I was obviously there, my freshman year, and TAB was the assistant coach. So I think he kind of told Yergan, hey, I've had this kid, if we need an extra number in training, like we can bring him in. So they trained there for a couple weeks, and my coach called me in one day, my Stanford coach, and told me they wanted me to come join training just for an extra number one day. Just, I mean, insane. Get a play with my idols.

Dempsey's there. Donovan's there. Michael Bradley. All guys that I looked up to for a long time. And just really out of the blue, got to go train with them. So trained with them one day. And then my coach also told me we were going to scrimmage them. So we scrimmaged them and had one of the best games of my career, maybe, fortunately.

I think I scored a goal that game, and it was just a wild experience. So train with them a couple more times after that scrimmage before they went off to the World Cup. And I remember the week after the World Cup ended, I got a call from Yergan saying he was going to fly out to Palo Alto and meet with me. And my coach, I think my dad flew out for the meeting. and he told me there that they were going to invite me into the next camp. So it was crazy. It all happened really fast. Obviously a really unique way to make your way up to the full national team.

But, yeah, it's going to be a cool story to tell my kids someday. That's why. Let's unpack that a little bit. So first off, at that level, when you just get thrown into training as like an add-on, what was that like? Because it's not just, you know, they're getting ready for the World Cup, right? They're obviously very focused on that. So are you like talking to guys trying to get to know guys or are you just like head down doing what they tell you?

Head down, doing what they tell me. I've always been that way a bit, especially as a young guy. You know, I feel like I have to come in and earn my place. But in that situation, especially I felt like these guys are getting ready for this. I don't really deserve to be here really. You know, I'm fortunate to get this opportunity. But, no, I was pretty much just staying to myself doing what they told me. Obviously training, working hard, trying to help them in any way that I could.

And of course, trying to show myself a little bit. definitely kind of head down just i'm on the quieter side i'm a um pretty reserved guy so i was so nervous going into there obviously and um but yeah i was just kind of head down they were all great super nice and and uh and helpful but you could tell there was obviously an intensity there because they were getting ready for the world cup they were nice and then you you scored on our mind bowled out in the scrimmage so like when that happens what was that like were you like did you celebrate you're just like whatever um i scored let's try not to be like you know act like a big deal.

Exactly. The second one. I remember, yeah, I scored. And, yeah, I mean, obviously it was incredible, like a really cool feeling to score in that game. I mean, we were just sitting in a low block defending the whole time. And then the ball turned over. It was like a counterattack. So I've been on the other side of those scrimmages now where you scrimmage against a, you know, a college team or something like that.

And those guys were doing three a days getting ready. I'm sure they were like, what are we doing, scrimmaging this college team? But for us, it's the game of our lives, right? So we're out there playing. And now I remember obviously being so excited, scoring that goal. I was jogging back to the middle for the kickoff. And Josie said, like, great finish or something like that. And it was just a cool moment, obviously,

because those are all guys that I had looked up to for so long and watched them playing World Cups. And I'm like, man, this is crazy to be in this with them. And to score a goal was, I think, probably helped show myself for a year going to be. Yeah, what about the coaches? Is it like a tryout where you sneak a look at the coaches that are doing something good? I tried not to. I tried to just keep playing, keep my head down.

I can't remember if Juergen said anything after the game. But obviously I came back the next couple of days, trained with them a bit. And I think I was a little bit naive. You know, obviously I was nervous, but just kind of jumped in and thought I did well in training. And then, fortunately, he called me into the next camp after the World Cup. So a pretty wild ride happened really fast.

Kind of went from no one knowing who I was to then obviously the Mexico game where things changed a bit. But it was a quick, I would say a quick rise. Yeah, and that last bit about him sitting you down after the World Cup with your dad too, right? He was there. So that doesn't sound common for national team players. And, you know, why do you think it went that way? What was, what did you read in him when he was really trying to get to know you and integrate you?

It was a super personal guy. And I say this a lot. I think if there was another national team coach that was the coach of the time, I don't think I would have gotten that opportunity. I think, you know, they would have maybe let me develop a few more years and then, and then giving me a shot. But Yergan obviously was very good about bringing in young guys and really giving them opportunities. And obviously, you know, fortunately for me, he saw something in me. And I'm always going to be grateful to him for giving me that opportunity. But I think what he really wanted to tell me in that meeting was things were going to change really quick.

And I remember him saying that he's going to say, you're going to go to being more well-known and there's going to be more pressure on you and it's going to come quick. And obviously, I was only playing in college at the time. I hadn't experienced that level of pressure. And so I think he said, really he sat me down and said, like, first of all, he's like, I think you need to turn pro sooner rather than later to kind of get up to that level. So that was one of the things he mentioned. but I think a lot of the talk was letting me and my dad and my coach just things are going to change pretty quick for you now when you get called into a national team camp because you're going to become more well-known and that pressure will be there a little bit. So that was a big part of the talk from when I remember.

So you played for a few different managers. Greg being the most recent one with the national team and now obviously he's not there anymore. Looking back, how would you assess his tenure as coach? Yeah, I personally, I love playing for Greg. For me, you know, he's one of the tactically, one of the best coaches I've played for. And he's so detail-oriented. He would focus on all the little details and aspects of the game. And, you know, I would come away from camp feeling like I learned a ton every time that I went in.

So I think I learned so much from Greg about the game that I didn't really fully understand before. and yeah, I think he did a really, really good job, and, you know, I'm going to take what I learned from him, obviously, and move forward. But I think he had a lot of success. I loved playing for Greg. And I think he brought the group together in a time where it was really needed after, obviously, not qualifying. So could you just compare on the field, off the field, how things, what things were like under Greg compared to Juergen and Bruce?

know Yergan was a while ago, but just kind of compare and contrast what things are like. Thanks. Yeah, it's been, that's crazy 10 years, like you said. But yeah, Greg, I think, again, he was more, he was definitely, you know, more detail-oriented. He, you kind of knew your role on the field and what was, what was expected of you. And, but I think he did it in such a great way that, and I think it was really needed that guys, kind of when they stepped on the field, they knew exactly what they were. supposed to do to help the team win and help the team be successful and the film work that

we would do, the trainings that we would do. All of it had a plan to kind of help the team grow together, but with a real focus on whoever we were going to play next. So I think he, tactically, he's so gifted. He's such a smart coach. And yeah, I think things were a little bit more structured on the field under, under Greg. And I appreciate it. Again, I think he's one of the smartest coaches that I've played for. And I think the success that he had, that he did a really, really good job. So, yeah, a little bit more free-flowing under Bruce and under Yergan. Tactically, of course, there was stuff that was there. Different formation under Bruce, more of, you know, two forwards up front, especially when I played.

I remember I was playing up front with, with Clint or with Josie. So, Giozzi, so having, you know, a little bit of a different system, a different formation. And obviously, yeah, it was a little bit more free-flowing under, under Yergan and under Bruce. And Greg had his expectations of where he wanted you to be and what your roles were in different situations, and guys knew and understood. that, but I think it really helped everyone get on the same page on the field.

And obviously, we have creative guys in the attack, some unbelievable players. And when we got into that area of the field, you know, that came out and that could show. But in terms of build up, in terms of how we wanted to press teams, I think I learned so much from Greg on the defensive side of the game that I didn't understand and appreciate before. So I really enjoyed all my coaches that I've had with the national team, obviously most recently, and Greg, but I, you know, I think he did a really good job. And then in terms of their leadership styles and how they managed the group, they're obviously three pretty different people.

So what was that like adjusting from coach to coach? Yeah, I think you just get to know them as you go along, all really nice people, but very different, like you said. And, you know, I think Bruce was a little bit more hands-off. and kind of when you were in camp, kind of dinner is on your own and things like that. Greg was more, again, trying to build the vibe, trying to build the camaraderie within the group.

And a lot of times it would be, you know, we'd go to dinner and you'd sit with different coaches to try to integrate kind of both the players and the coaching staff and the support staff together that everyone is working as one big group. And so I think the vibe and the culture that Greg was, trying to build. You'd see it on the field, but you'd see it off the field as well, and that was important to him. But, you know, we'd have off days, of course. We'd have time to get off on our own, time to go golfing, time to escape the game a little bit. But when you're in kind of soccer mode,

it was very, very serious. And I think it all was just trying to come together to build, like you mentioned, build the culture and build the group after not qualifying for the World Cup. In terms of style of play, do you think the program changed evolved that much since you first joined back in the Sanford days? And do you think it's good the way that style has evolved, if at all? Yeah, I think so. Again, it comes back to, I think, more what I mentioned a bit, the first two coaches I played for a little bit more freedom. And then Greg had a clear vision of how he wanted to play and a clear idea of, of, you know, during build-up, different phases of the game,

where he wanted players to be, what runs he wanted them to make, things like that to try to break teams down. But he understands the game so well and is a very smart coach. So I think guys trusted in that. And again, you know, you see the results against Mexico, against Canada, against, you know, winning Nations League a few times, winning Gold Cups. I know the next step is to compete against the biggest teams in the world,

but I think the program took a big step forward under Greg, and I think me and the guys are, I think if you ask a lot of them, I'm really grateful for what he brought and all the work that he put in when he was the coach, and I think a lot of people would say that we took a big step forward. Knowing what you know about the national team program, they're looking for a new coach right now. is there anything you think they should look for specifically in this next coach ahead of a big World Cup? It's a good question.

I haven't really been paying attention too much or thinking about it too much. Again, I think a guy that just comes in and uses, obviously, all the amazing talent that we have and continues to build on what Greg build. and I think you talk to all the guys that have been part of Greg's kind of group and pool since he's come in. They all talk about how the culture and how the vibe completely changed and moved in the right direction and how we all bonded and became a family. And, you know, I know there were rumblings of when we didn't qualify for the World Cup where there are cracks within the team or within the group or within the culture. And I think Greg came in and completely changed that.

And so, yeah, I think just continuing on with. with obviously the on-the-field stuff, continue to grow as a country in that. But I think what makes us strong is, you know, our camaraderie and our brotherhood. And I think Greg did a great job cultivating that. So a coach that comes in and continues to grow that side of the group. On the pitch, what's different about NLS now compared to when you joined?

Yeah, it's taking a big step forward. I think the quality is at a different level. you see, you know, teams bringing in younger DPs, players wanting to come here earlier in their career. And, yeah, I mean, it's always been a really athletic, you know, fast league. But I think you see the quality of play is catching up to that. And the players that are coming in, the players that, you know, this league is attracting and becoming more exciting. And I think since I've been here 10 years now, yeah, the quality of, of play has gone up a ton.

So it's fun to be a part of that. It's fun to see the league grow, and I think it's just going to keep growing and keep building. More tactical? Yeah, more tactical. I mean, they're bringing in, obviously, coaches that have different backgrounds and different ideas, I think. So, yeah, I think definitely more tactical.

We've had the, you know, obviously in Seattle, Schmets has been here pretty much my whole time, but we've had a lot of success what you see around the league. guys like Nancy and Columbus and are playing, you know, these really, you know, attractive, pretty styles of soccer and coaches coming from around the world as well. So, yeah, I think it's definitely more tactical, but the quality of the players that are coming and it's gone up a lot. You've played for Schmetz for pretty much your whole Sounders career at this point. What's your relationship like with him?

Yeah, it's good. It's good. I mean, he's had a lot of success here. He's, it's cool, both of us being from Seattle, understanding kind of what it means to play and coach for your hometown team. And, no, but our relationship is good. And obviously, we've had a lot of success together, so that helps things for sure. What's his vibe? He's kind of like, he seems cool.

Is he like a dad or like a grandpa, like a cool uncle? What's the... Yeah, he's... I mean, I would say he's a little bit more on the old school side of things. Like, with the younger guys, he's probably a little bit tougher on them. They've got to earn their spot.

The older guys, he lets them have a little bit more leniency. And so he's definitely an older school kind of coach. And he interacts with the guys a little bit, but for the most part kind of lets us do our own thing. But he's very approachable. if you, you know, if any of the players, the older guys have any issues or anything, they want to, you know, bring up to him, he'll definitely hear you out and take your kind of opinion into account. You guys have obviously made a big effort to develop younger players here. What have you noticed about the progression of those efforts with the Sounders? What's different internally here compared to when you were younger? Because they're obviously having more and more success.

Yeah, I think we've kind of prioritized. playing and developing younger players. I think when I first got here, it wasn't necessarily that way. You know, you'd see a homegrown here. D'Andre came through. You'd see a homegrown or two on the bench. Fortunately, I was able to play when I came in. But now you look across our group and you, obviously, Obed, Josh, Reed, Paul, Jackson,

you know, you see homegrown sprinkled throughout our lineup and on the bench. So I think that it's been a conscious effort to continue to grow that. But what's changed, I think, is the opportunities that's been given to home bro players to get on the field and show what they can do. You feel old? I do for sure. And it happens quick, man. Like, it's kind of one year you feel like the young guy. And then next year you feel like the older guy, and especially with all the young guys on the team now, I feel like I've made that switch.

And they've all pretty much completely been developed. in the Development Academy or MLS Next. How many years did you play in the academy? Just one, just my senior year of high school, yeah. So what do you notice about what's different with these guys compared to the kids you grew up playing with club and youth national team? Yeah, I think, I mean, they start the academy at such a younger age. So for me, obviously, I played soccer since I was, I don't know,

since I was so young, before I can remember. The club team I played for, I was fortunate to play for one that was competitive, was able to travel, play against high levels of competition, but I wouldn't say that's necessarily the case for every club team around here. But having the academy be able to start at such a young age, I think you're able to bring the best players in from all these different club teams, put them together. The training environment every day is obviously going to be at a high level,

and then you get a play against quality opponents starting at such a young age. So I think that's the biggest difference from what you're going to be. I've seen since I've came in and the academy systems obviously is just bigger and expanded and allowing more opportunity for these kids that started at a young age really playing against high-level competition. Yeah, and Sue, your pathway through college soccer, I mean, the idea of a male college soccer player representing the national team right now, that seems kind of impossible, right? Like, indefinitely.

But do you think you gain something from playing college soccer that maybe kids now don't pick up given this new pathway? Yeah, that's a great question. I loved playing college. Obviously, to be honest, it's some of the most fun, rewarding soccer I've played in my career, just kidding you represent your school, still have best friends that I, you know, four or five best friends on that team that I keep in touch with today. And on the other side of soccer, you know, I'll fortunately have, you know, a degree to hopefully, you know, go back to and find something to do outside of soccer. But for me, I guess I was asked to sign with Seattle before going to college.

And when I was looking at the group, you know, obviously being in the training every day, you know, would have helped me grow as a player. But I was looking at the group and I was like, there's no way I'm going to step on this field. So let me go to college, be in every day. every game player, every game starter, and learn and grow, and then I can come back and hopefully be more prepared to step into that pro environment. So some people, I think, jump into it pretty early and can get lost. And I think for me, going to college gave me a good pathway to then turn pro

and feel like I was really ready to jump in and contribute in my first year. Anything about the style of college soccer, or even, I don't know if you played high school soccer, but we hear some of the players from older generations now talk about how, So maybe there's things that, you know, whether it's the pressure and having like everyone you know watching the games, that kind of thing with college and high school. Yeah, anything with the style and the soccer side? Yeah, there's definitely pressure. I would say the pressure comes from that it's such a limited opportunity, right? You have four years to accomplish this goal, and then it's done.

And for me, it was three years. And so you work the whole season, you get to the NCAA tournament, and you lose one game and you're just done for the, whole year and then your season's done for nine months and then you got to start back up again so i think the pressure yeah 100% the pressure that you feel in those games to to accomplish something that you've been working for and something that the group wants to accomplish um is is is high representing your your school representing your friends um yeah there's definitely some some added pressure there and and um i remember my sophomore season uh we lost in the first round We're one of the best teams in country all year, and then we lose in the first round.

Our season is just done, and all the seniors, that was their last opportunity to win a national championship. And I remember just being like, man, that goes, it goes so fast. So, yeah, I kind of made the decision that year that maybe turn pro, maybe not. I wanted to come back and try to win a national championship, and fortunately was able to do that the next year, and then felt like it was time to turn pro. But, yeah, I think it just goes quick. There's limited opportunity in college to do what you want to do, so there's definitely some added pressure there. Yeah, that's interesting. It's like a psychological thing, right? Like intrinsically.

Like with pro soccer, obviously it's not forever, but you lose, take two months off, you're right back into it, you have another opportunity. And you've got to take advantage of them because, yeah, I guess you never know when your last season is going to be, but it doesn't seem like it's quite as condensed, obviously, as college where you have those four years to accomplish what you want to accomplish. A lot's changing and fast when it comes to college sports. Do you have any thoughts on that generally? And as it relates to, soccer specifically.

Yeah, I mean, it's sad a bit for college soccer. You know, I hope that it continues to grow. Like I said, I don't think I'd be the player I am today, the person I am today without going to college and truly some of the, probably the three best years of my life on and off the field. So I hope that kids continue to get that opportunity and that it continues to be a pathway because I think some kids needed. Like I said, I don't think I was ready to turn pro, ready to be in that environment

when I was 17, 18 years old. So to go off to college and have that experience, and I came back much more prepared, much more ready to make an impact. So I hope that it continues to move in the right direction. You know, obviously heard rumblings of making it a full year season. I think that could potentially be helpful. But it is interesting, the money and things that's coming into college soccer now. So maybe that'll enticing people to stick around.

Imagine, yeah, I mean, I'm sure you're a thing. and like if they were paying us then for NIL or whatever it is, and I'm on the national team at St. Yeah, there might have been some opportunity there, but that's all right, that's right. I think you did fine in the end either way, right? Yeah, I remember actually it was funny that my first national team camp against Mexico, or not my first one, but against Mexico,

I couldn't get paid because I was in college, so I wasn't able to get, like, the bonuses. I remember the guys kind of making fun of me for that, so it was pretty funny. And then you scored. And then I scored, so I guess it was totally worth it, obviously. Sanjay and Jordan will be back in a moment. After some ads, if you want to skip the ads, join the Patreon. Link is in the show notes.

You used to be pretty notorious for not using your left foot. And I've heard you say it's because of how your right foot is shaped or whatever, making it easier to hit the ball, right, with your right. I don't know if I believe you. Did anyone believe you when you explain that? I don't know. This would be maybe a good guy to ask. ask, honestly. You can have a good left foot or no?

I think he has a great left foot. Thanks, man. Just don't use it enough. But it's because of how my feet are shaped. No, that's fine. You're good. I think you just, if you just put your head down and you look at the ball and then you kick your left foot at it, it goes into net.

It's going to go well? Yeah. Okay. Dude, you showed it, man. I was so impressed with that goal, actually, and what was that Austin? Hey, Austin? Thank, man. Brad Evans, the legend.

Yeah, yeah. I should have asked me about that if he comes back when I was. He was there when I was at Stanford for that camp. I mean, he didn't end up making the team, but he was there for that. I remember when he tweeted something about Ronaldo is really funny. He didn't make a team. I remember that. He's funny.

He's really, he's a witty guy. I don't know if anyone believes me. I mean, my teammates make, I'm super pigeon-toed. So on both my feet, I'm really pigeon-toed. So my feet always pointed, no matter what I'm doing, walking, whatever. My feet are really pigeon-toed. So my dad says that's what makes me fast. is that pigeon-toe nature, so I guess it's a good thing.

But, I mean, it's hard to explain without looking, like having a ball. But if the ball is here, and it's just my feet is, my foot is naturally pointed like this, so it's just so easy for me to go with the outside of my right. Where with, when I'm like this, my left foot's pointed in like this, it's a little bit harder to open up my hip to use my left foot. It's just so easy to go like this. So that's what it comes from. It's just an easier and much quicker way to get my shot off too.

so it kind of sometimes defender goalie it kind of takes them by surprise. But I think, honestly, I have a pretty good left foot. I'm not whipping in crosses. I'm not playing long balls, but if I get in the box or, you know, I think that I have a pretty good finish with my left foot. So, yeah, hopefully that narrative has gone away. I've used my left foot a little bit more in recent years. But for me, it's, you know, I probably could have worked on it a little bit.

a little more as a kid, but it's 100% how my feet are shaped. It just makes it easy to get outside the right. I believe you know, yeah. The visual would help a little bit. Yeah, but you don't need to think of your change. Yeah, yeah, you're good. I get that. Are you going to, wait, but you did practice with your left foot growing up.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, yeah, yeah, no, for sure. But, I mean, I probably could have done more. I'm not saying I have the best left foot in the world, but I think it's better than people think it is. Yeah. So you're going to teach your son to use his left foot too. Yeah, maybe he'll be left foot.

We'll see. We'll see. I mean, if he's pigeon to, I think, I mean, people always say, like, they always talk about how I use the outside my right, but the outside my right is pretty good and effective. So, like, if it works the same, I don't really get what the issue is, which I think it can be a weapon, too. But, yeah, I'll, you know, I really want to get my son into golf. That's the big goal. I need to get him into golf so we can go. out there and play together.

But maybe he'll be a left-footed player. We'll see. How's he doing? It's almost the year now. You've been a dad? What's that been like? It's the best, man. It's awesome.

He's so much fun. He's been an easy baby for my wife and I. And it puts a lot of stuff in perspective. You know, if you have a bad game or whatever, go home to him. And he's happy and happy to see you and just thinks of me as his dad. So it's been, yeah, it's, cliche, but the best 10 months of my life getting to raise this guy. And yeah, my wife and I are really lucky.

So you've been through a lot in your day. Caring both through ACLs, the second one abruptly cutting short, the European adventure, right? You said you believed things happened for a reason. But was that always your outlook on life, or did you start to accept that after, you know, shit like that happened? as you grow and mature i think that's become more my outlook on life um you know i was diagnosed with diabetes when i was nine years old and um something that i've lived with and for me maybe at the time when i was nine i guess i didn't really have that outlook but now i look at it that maybe why i was given it was to hopefully be inspirational to younger kids that are living with it and diagnosed with

And, yeah, the ACO, I think the second one was harder to understand and to have that outlook because I was so excited for that step and that adventure and to obviously be playing for a new team. And at the time, the goal was to get promoted and be in the Premier League with Swansea. So that one was harder to accept, but I tried to have to have. that mentality that things do happen for a reason and when I look back on it, of course, I wish I didn't have to go through with that and didn't have to go through all that and that I was able to stay over there. But, you know, it came back the next year. We won Champions League. You know, the year that I was recovering from my injury was able to get married and have a pretty, pretty cool, unique wedding that I wouldn't have been able to do if I was

playing that year. Obviously, having Theo, he probably wouldn't be around if we were still over there and, you know, potentially climbing up the goal scoring charts here in Seattle and, you know, being the leading goal score, which is a goal of mine for your hometown club, would be something pretty, pretty special. So I think when it's hard in the moment and even sometimes hard still to look back and think about what would have been different if that hadn't happened. But if you try to put life in that perspective,

I think it helps you, you know, helps you be a little bit happier. Yeah, you kind of tell yourself, right, but at the same time, it's unfolded. Sometimes look back and still get sad that that opportunity and experience was taken away, especially so quickly. You know, I feel like I was just integrating into the team.

Talking to the coach was going to start getting some more playing time. and my wife quit her job and moved over there with me and was there for 10 days maybe, and then we packed our stuff up and moved back. So it was a pretty brutal time. And, yeah, I'd be lying if I said, don't still think back and wish the things were different, but try to find the positives that come out of it. So you probably get asked us a lot, especially considering your form. Would you think about going back or are you kind of settled now here with your life,

with your wife and your son here and trying to build a family here? that something you consider again? Yeah, I mean, if an opportunity came up that was intriguing, I think I would definitely consider it. I've always said my goal is to play in England. I wanted to play in the Premier League, and obviously that goal was cut short a bit, and soccer is moving younger and younger and younger. So, you know, I know that that isn't easy, and they're looking at a lot younger,

younger kids than me now. So either way, you know, obviously I have goals here that I still want to accomplish. But if an opportunity popped up, I think I would definitely think about it. Like you mentioned, the form. I think this is maybe the best soccer I've been playing in my career, and I feel like I'm at a really good point on the field playing up front, which I feel like is my best position. So, yeah, really happy with how things are going.

going and if something came up, I would definitely look into it. Yeah, I know you said, right, um, positionally there's been this conversation about you for, for a long time and you said, uh,

that you think striker is your best position. Erigan obviously identified you as a striker and he's, you know, one of the top strikers of the game's history. Um, do you ever wonder where you'd be in your career if you just played up top the whole time? Yeah. Definitely.

Um, I thought about, that, especially in the last couple years when, because I transitioned to winger and felt like I was effective there as well and, you know, had a couple pretty good seasons and with the Nash team had a couple good seasons. And so, you know, but when I came, switched kind of switched back at the end of last year and then now as a forward and obviously it's been having some pretty good form. I definitely, it definitely makes me think that, you know, where I, not where I could have been, but just the progression of my career a little bit for me as a player, the development of me

as a player, if I had started that a little bit earlier. Because I feel like even in this last year, year and a half, something that I've really been working on is kind of my holdup play, linking up. It's obviously a very different position than playing out wide. You're back to goal a lot more. And it was something that I had to kind of bring back into my game. And now I feel like I'm at a really good point, obviously still things to learn, but at a good point with my holdup play and link up play. and now I think about if I had learned that or had that practice five, six years earlier, you know, so it could just continue to grow and build from there. But it is what it is.

That wasn't necessarily my decision, obviously. The coaches saw me as more of a winger, and I tried to continue to be goal dangerous out there. But I'm happy, obviously, playing the night. I think, like I said, I think that's my best position. Dude, I feel like, and this isn't a shot at any of your coaches, anyone who's coach to you, but it seems like when you have strikers who are fast, a lot of coaches at all levels think, like, oh, I can just take that guy on the wing, right?

And now you kind of look around. It's not just in the U.S., but the development of actual strikers, like goal-hungry, center-forward, seems like it's falling off a little bit, right? Yeah, for me it's like, you know, a lot of it was always like, oh, maybe my instinct in the box

isn't quite what a number nine needs to be or my, you know, and I feel like that just takes kind of practice in games and training at that position. And obviously I came in with the Sounders. I played up front a little bit in my rookie year and then with the national team, but that's kind of it in my professional career. And I feel like in the end of last year and beginning of this year, I've seen so much progression in myself as a finisher and as a kind of my ability to make runs in the box and kind of have more of a nose for goal because that's what you need as a number nine, obviously.

and again that's just something like if I had learned that or started developing that five, six years earlier, where would I? Maybe it would be even better now. Who knows? Maybe it wouldn't, but maybe it'd be even better now. So sometimes I look back and think about that, but I'm obviously really happy with how my career's gone. And maybe things would be different in a different way if I was playing up front of my okra. Who knows? But yeah, it's hard not to think maybe I would have developed a little bit more if I had started. In fairness to coaches and obviously coaches that you've had, I mean, it's about being the best team out. that right and there's other good good strikers but but with that set so no no i mean you look at with the nationally mad as who the sounders have had i'm not saying anything like i should have been playing like you look at raoul who's been here who's an amazing finisher and schmett's in his fairness like

okay if we can get jorra now wide and have him score goals and then also have raoul who's scoring a bunch of goals and things like that and you put the best team out there on the field and we've had success that way so i can't argue with it but but have there ever been conversations where it's like, because you're not just another player, like, you're, you know, the homegrown kid, like you've had a lot of success here. You're really respected, right? And obviously, a very good teammate. Is there any, like, tension between that and kind of nudging the coaches, like, hey, like, I can do the job, you know, like, pushing them for that. Yeah, a bit. I've, especially the last few years, kind of, I think they, not necessarily sense my frustration,

because I'm very much a team first guy, but Schmetz has come up to me a few times and been, like, I can tell, I know, you. you really want to play up front. We need you to play out wide for these reasons, injuries, whatever it may be. And in his fairness, he told me I'd get another run at playing up front. And, you know, obviously this stretch of form has been good. But just got to keep growing, keep building on it. I want to hold on to this position, obviously.

But yeah, I definitely, whenever Schmets would ask me, whenever Coach is, maybe not with the national team. But whenever Schmast would ask me, I would tell him, yeah, I think 9 is my best position. position, but, you know, wherever you want to put me, you know, you can put me there. You guys have had success in Concaf, and now you're getting ready to play on the biggest stage for the Club World Cup, Exventant Club World Cup next year. In terms of the international competition, what have you guys done differently to prepare for Concaf games? Yeah, I think it's, you know, looking at the success that we had in Champions League

and understanding kind of how we, you know, we played. I think for us we were really strong defensively in those games and made, you know, obviously the league of Emacki's teams are really good on the ball, really technically really strong. And for us, we feel like a big part of our game, especially in that Champions League run, we have really fast athletic players. And so we would kind of sit in the lower mid-block, let them try to break us down, which was difficult. and then we try to counter and use our speed and our kind of athleticism against them.

I think that that was really successful. You saw it in the final, I think we scored two goals that way. And against the Mexican opposition, I think we had really good success in that way of playing. So I think going into Leagues Cup now, if we come up against different opponents, you know, head into the Club World Cup, I think potentially we could. kind of adopt that more, you know, that style of play a little bit more. But I think talking about the Club World Cup, having that experience where we were able to go to Morocco, we lost in the first game, unfortunately.

But I think it was such a cool experience, such an exciting one for the group to be that first MLS team to take part in that. And I think it left guys unsatisfied that we had one game and we're done. So to have the Club World Cup to look forward to next year, it'll be a group stage. We'll have a couple games to hopefully prove ourselves. Yeah, there's a lot of a, there are a lot of takes flying around. after that, but I think you guys will get a shot at redemption, right? Yeah, for sure. So, yeah, it'll be good to have that opportunity.

I think it left guys hungry, wanting to prove ourselves a little bit more, so that would be a cool opportunity. Favorite goal or moment in your career? I think the Gold Cup final goal against Jamaica, yeah. Winning a trophy with your country was always a goal of mine, but to score the winning goal in that was pretty special. I've told this story before, but it was my guy was marking. He was my guy on the corner that scored, so I felt pretty responsible for that.

So to make up for that, I think it was just such a sense of relief to score and make up for that and win a trophy. So I think that was probably the coolest school. What about the goal in the mud bowl? in that was maybe one of the most memorable ones for sure that was a wild game and yeah that was a cool moment to sub on and score like that

this place is known for rain and so you played mud before but was that was that peak was it the most mud for sure that was like you were back in when you were a kid playing in the mud in the back year I still have that jersey I think I had to have washed it but it was still like it's just stained with mud and it's a pretty cool one.

What were you guys saying after that game before the... It was wild. I mean, I can't even remember. I think the fact that we... I'm trying to remember. The fact that we tied was fine that we were going to move on to the next rounder. I think the next games were the following year.

But, yeah, I can't remember. I think we were all just like that was so different than anything we've ever played and ever experienced. There was the video of Eunice dribbling and falling and just getting like a... base full of our picture and he's just like spitting mud out of his mouth and we're all it was it was wild but to I know at the time you guys sounded very professional about yeah before the game were you guys like shit what the hell yeah we're like I don't know if this is the

I don't know if we should we should be playing on this one too because even though it was injury risk too on a field like that I think that was in the back people's heads slipping in weird ways so I mean that's one of the most memorable games of my career for sure so it's a question from a listener um is there someone on the sidelines watching your Dexcom, constant, doing the constant glucose monitor, those readings while you're playing.

Yeah, there's no one on the sideline. It disconnects when I'm playing. I'm too far away from the reading. But I walk out, I walk out my receiver with me. So like right after the National Anthem right before the game,

I check my blood sugar, make sure it's in a good spot, and then right at halftime, right when we, whenever we walk in the locker room, someone kind of brings it to me and hands it to me. So no one during the game,

but kind of right before and write a half time I check. Has the science changed that much with it? The technology while you've been playing, or it's kind of been the same? It's incredible. The technology has grown and advanced so much and still can be annoying for sure, but it helps make it a lot easier. Not just while I'm playing, but in day-to-day life as well.

It's been pretty cool. And tell us about the foundation, everything the foundation does and how to support. Yeah, we have a website, just Jordan Morris Foundation.com. want to check out what we do. Start a foundation with my family when I turned pro. And I just, when I was a kid growing up, I know how inspirational it was to look at people that were living out their dreams and playing professional sports with type 1. But I was never really able to talk to them or hear their stories.

So for me, when I turned pro, I just wanted to kind of be that person for young diabetics who were diagnosed to hopefully give them some inspiration when they see me, you know, on the field, but also be able to talk to them, let them hear my story. answer any questions they have and just, like I said, hopefully be a source of inspiration to kind of let them know the type one won't hold them back from doing what they want to do. So that's really the basis around the foundation. It's all about outreach to kids and it's been a lot of fun, man. And when your career's done, and you've got plenty of time still, but on the other side of that,

what are you thinking about doing long term? You got your degree from Stanford. You're active with the foundation. What are your interests and what are you thinking about beyond that? I got to go back and finish. I'm really close at Stanford. So I have two quarters left. Right when I'm done,

what's the degree in? Pretty much a business degree. Okay. Yeah. Called science technology in society. So I have two quarters left, so I'll move back there with my family for a couple of years, finish up school,

see if something comes out of that. Not really sure what I want to do after. if the Stanford coach is still there, maybe I try to jump in with him if there's an opening. Main goal is to become a scratch golfer. That's the goal for sure. So I think golf is like, who knows if I think it'll be here my whole life because I'm addicted to it,

but that's like when I'm done playing. That's what I really want to do is get really good at golf. And you want to stay involved in the game coaching? Up in the air, but I think being a college coach, if it's still progressing, if it would be really fun. I think that would be, I know how much fun I had, how impactful my coaches were to me in those college days. And I think that would be a really fun kind of in between of still being in the game.

I don't think I want to be a professional coach and just have that same lifestyle for my whole life. I want to be at home with my family more. And it's a little bit too much travel, things like that. But I think being a college coach would be a cool in-between. So something like that I think would be really fun going to live. in California wouldn't be too bad either, so we'll see. Oh, is your family they're there?

Sorry, going back to Coach of Stanford would be fun. My family's here. My family's here. My wife's family's here. So we have lots of babysitters, which is nice. Anything else fans don't know about you in terms of interest, what you're doing your free time? A lot of golf, obviously your dad now, so I don't know if you have time for Fortnite or any of that stuff anymore.

You used to play. That was the, oh, that was the, fun one at camp. I remember like me, Weston, Christian, walk, alo. We would all play for a night. That was a fun one for a while. No, I'm not really on the video game train anymore. I think my free time really is golf, so golf and just hanging with my kid. I think it's, like I said, it's been so fun. We've gotten more into poker. You any good? Here, I'm okay. I'm learning slowly. So like on away trips, on the plane, planes. We play some poker, so that's kind of what we do off the field.

High stakes? Not got crazy. No, I'm really not into betting. But yeah, we play a little poker. Fantasy football, that's another one. Excited for that to be coming up. So it's kind of my interest off the field, but golf's the main one, for sure. Jordan, thanks so much for coming on the pod. Yeah, man, no worries. Thanks for having me.