MetroFanatic: Brandon, you endeared a lot of fans by a tweet last year that you want the red and black jersey as a tribute...
Brandon Barklage: I think it would be awesome, and I caught a lot of grief for that, going against the Red Bull way, but I think it would be absolutely unbelievable to bring that back, give us a little spark for sure.

MF: Lots of people appreciate you saying that, appreciating the history of the team.
BB: It's not just me who wants it, it's a lot of people who want it.

MF: You played for DC for three years...
BB: Yeah.

MF: And the fans were not exactly happy to have a DC reject, but after that little game last year, the attitudes changed...
BB: It fell unbelievable, to put the pounding on the ex-team, especially after how my third year went there. I didn't get much playing time, got released. First game against them, scored two goals. Obviously, an unbelievable feeling and hopefully I repeat that this year.

MF: The ninja kick you did there...
BB: Yeah, that's how people are calling it, the ninja kick. They should call me "ninja" from now on.

MF: Alright, from now on, you're Brandon "Ninja" Barklage.
BB: (laughs)

MF: You made a transition from midfield to right back last year, seamlessly. How?
BB: I took a lot of pride when I was playing midfield in my defensive work, and I think that translated to the right back position. I like to get stuck it, but I like to get forward also. I'm feeling more and more comfortable every day I got out there and play that position. I'm pumped.

MF: They brought Kimura to compete with you.
BB: Kos has had an awesome preseason. I think it will be pretty interchangeable throughout the year, but we're both gonna push each other for that spot, and that's only a good thing.

MF: Can you tell us a difference between Hans running the show and Mike so far?
BB: The number one thing is the intensity level, that's for sure. Mike just brings a certain stature to training every day, he makes you want to train every single day, he's a great guy...

MF: So, wait, Hans didn't make you want to train every day?
BB: I'm not gonna say anything...

MF: You just did!
BB: Uhhhhh... There were some down days there, that's all I'm gonna say.

MF: Fine, fine.
BB: But we're all pumped about Mike being coach.

MF: Do you feel you know where you stand with Mike a little better than with Hans?
BB: Yeah, Mike is the guy who pretty much brought me into the organization, so there is a certain comfort level between me and Mike. We have a good relationship, so that's always a plus.