MetroFanatic: Matt, I don't know if you followed it, but our fans wanted you to sign two, three years ago. Who close was it?
Matt Kassel: It was very close. It's something that I had a lot of talk with my family and coaches. But at the end of the day, the right thing for me to do was to go to the University of Maryland, experience college for a few years, and then take the step.

MF: So you don't regret your decision.
MK: Without a doubt. I know I made the right decision, and Maryland was an unbelievable experience for me. It helped to develop me into a mature player. And winning a national championship, you can't complain about that.

MF: Did the league try to lowball you three years ago?
MK: Yes. Well, not lowball, but it was not an offer I was willing to take at the moment, and I'm here now.

MF: Was your father an influence in making the decision, having worked for this franchise before?
MK: My father has always been one of my advisers, in terms of leading me into the right direction. We had a lot of sit downs, and we went through everything. This year was the right time for me to take the next step.

MF: You were a fan of this team growing up?
MK: (smiles) Of course.

MF: It's pretty awesome for you and Sacir moving up like this.
MK: Yeah, it's great. The academy has done something special. I'll always support this team.

MF: Who were your favorite MetroStars?
MK: I was here from the days of Roberto Donadoni and Giovanni Savarese and Mike Petke. All these great guys, it was something special. Timmy Howard, I used to come out before the games and warm him up a little bit. And to have his name where he is now...

MF: He did pretty well for himself.
MK: (laughs) That's for sure. I'm very happy for him and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.