MetroFanatic: Mike, we talked to Matt Kassel, and he said you were one of his favorite players growing up.
Mike Petke: Oh god, that's how old I am, huh. Well, Matt's dad used to work for the MetroStars. My wife used to work for the league, and my wife was terrified of his dad.

MF: Why?
MP: Because he's a very intimidating force.

MF: And does Matt take after his dad?
MP: Matt needs to grab that little bit of aggressiveness from his dad and he'll be a complete player then.

MF: Let's talk about something important... you playing in the reserve game.
MP: (laughs) Oh geez...

MF: #25? What's up with that!
MP: #25, I don't know... I thought Hans was joking before the game, we don't have enough people, you might get to play a little. I laughed, and then sure enough, I hear the yell, "PETKEEEEE!". I looked at him, and he didn't let me warm up, just threw me to the wolves. At 35 years old, I haven't done anything in four months, very happy not to pull a muscle.

MF: You clean up pretty nicely.
MP: (laughs) Not bad, not bad.

MF: So your current job, it's a weird position, part assistant coach, part...
MP: Yeah, it wasn't just something that we came up with at the last second, we talked about this in July and August, and then it came together at the right time. There was a lot of thinking, where am I gonna fit in. That's why I'm doing a little bit of everything. I've been a part of the organization for a while, I have a great relationship with the fans and supporters, and this is where I want to be. I'm glad that they feel the same way and want me here.

MF: It's still strange to see you with the dark hair. I get flashbacks of the bleach blond...
MP: Those were good days, I tell you that. Those were fun days.

MF: Elaborate on that a little bit.
MP: You know, you're young, you're wild, you're...

MF: So you're not wild anymore?
MP: Nooooo. The wildest I get is with my two kids, running around the basement.

MF: What do you want to do personally in the future?
MP: I've been asked this many times, it's something that will have to be answered and needs to be answered this year. But right now, I'm enjoying what I'm doing, a little bit here, a little bit there. The only thing I've done for 33 years is play soccer. This is my first job. I mean, I had the random waiting job, waiter in high school, stuff like that, but this is my first job. I've done something for 33 years, and all of the sudden you're doing something totally different. It's an interesting dynamic. I'm gonna take this year to find myself, to do whatever is asked of me. I want to be involved with both sides.

MF: We thought it was very classy of the organization to give both you and Woly roles with this team.
MP: I can speak for Woly too, the way we feel about this organization. It's great not only go seeking a job here, but for them to seek us as well. It's a great feeling. You want to be where you're wanted.