MetroFanatic: Kevin, last time we saw you, you were heading out to Salt Lake, and there were a couple of big games after that. Does that final loss still sting?
Kevin Goldthwaite: It definitely stings, when you need to try to put it out of your mind and focus on the season. First game is Thursday against Seattle.

MF: Do you want to talk about the second goal in the final?
KG: Yeah. Chad Marshall was my guy. Didn't get a good enough body on him before the ball was swung in, he put his head on it and finished.

MF: According to the MLS Players Union, you got a nice new contract this year.
KG: I actually signed it last year, though. I was on a different contract last year, that was signed in April.

MF: So it wasn't a reward for last year's job?
KG: No, but I'm happy with it.

MF: You've been playing a lot in the middle this preseason.
KG: Yeah.

MF: Is that an indication of how it's gonna be in the regular season?
KG: Ummm... No indication at the moment, but I guess, from the preseason games, I played the majority of the time in the middle. We'll see how it goes this Thursday against Seattle. I don't know exactly what's gonna be done, but as now, I think center back is my position.

MF: Are you more comfortable there than on the left?
KG: Not more comfortable or less comfortable. If that's where Juan Carlos sees me, then I'm happy with his decision. I gotta work hard and make his decision the right decision.

MF: It seems that Juan Carlos changes a lot of players around positionally.
KG: He does what he sees will get the best result each week. We gotta trust his decision and know that he's doing what he thinks is best for the team.

MF: Sorry for the question in advance, but after your first season, some fans gave you the nickname of "Deadweight".
KG: Really? That's too bad.

MF: Just "too bad"?
KG: Fans are fans, they can call me what they want.

MF: Do you want to suggest a better nickname after last year your stock went up?
KG: If they feel a new nickname is merited, I would gladly accept it.

MF: Supposedly, you had to fight Chris Leitch for #3 this year.
KG: Leitch is a big #3 guy, and that was my number when I came into the league. I was kinda just giving Leitch a hard time, just wanted to wind him up a little bit. See if I can try to wiggle out a free dinner. But obviously, Leitch isn't with us anymore, so I'm fine with #2.